CLOSE to 45 households with approximately 180 people living in Lokia Village in Nausori are now benefiting from the new foot crossing built by the government.
Provincial administrator Rewa Ravindra Narayan said close to $60,000 was injected by the government to fund the project and constructed by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
"The Lokia foot crossing was made in 1980s with assistance from the Canadian aid and last year the crossing suffered major damages due to flooding," Mr Narayan said.
He said after the flooding, people were not able to use the crossing because it was too dangerous for children to cross.
"The area is a low lying area and during high tide, it gets flooded," Mr Narayan said.
He said through the funds allocated by the government, they managed to construct a bridge, a foot crossing and a walkway leading up to the village.
"The construction of the crossing has come in as a big relief to the village as it is safer to travel now," he said.
Meanwhile, village headman Mosese Vatunitu said the new crossing would greatly assist them, particularly children.
"Before the children going to school used to cross the river barefoot and pregnant mothers and old ladies faced a lot of difficulties," Mr Vatuitu said.
He said with the new crossing, it was easy, safe and more convenient.