Transport problems on Rabi island

[Stacey King]

Salaseini Vosamana Sunday, September 11, 2011

THE lack of public transport has forced villagers to walk five miles to hospital and also to do shopping.

The island if Rabi has only one bus that belongs to the island council and serves a population of about 3000.

Rabi Council of Leaders chairperson Marlie Rota said the villagers faced a lot of difficulties with transportation.

"We have four villages with more than 3000 people living on the island," Ms Rota said.

"Students at times walk to school because the bus is full and the other vehicles are used for other purposes.

"It is difficult because the Government station is at a distance from the villages and people travel quite a distance to do their shopping, medical check and payments at the station.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, during his visit to the island this week, said: "We will make arrangements as soon as possible so the villagers are assisted."