AFTER waiting three years for bus service, the patience and prayers of the villagers of Nubuniikavula in Macuata have been answered.
Last week, Parmod Buses Company started servicing the route to the village which had its road damaged by Hurricane Tomas.
A government team including representatives from the bus company visited the area last week.
Villagers stepped in to provide daily accommodation for the bus driver.
Village elder Timoci Yavumeke said the assistance of the company and government officials brought relief to parents.
"We will provide accommodation to the driver and the bus will service the area three times a day with a morning run, midday and afternoon service," he said.
"It is a big burden off our shoulders — we no longer have to hire carriers which cost us $30 one way to town."
With limited income, Mr Yavumeke said the villagers could not afford the $30 fare.
Parents and students now no longer have to walk the three kilometres to the main road every morning and afternoon.
Mr Yavumeke said the children used to leave the village at 4am so they could board the 6am bus at the main road.
"We lived that life for three years and all that has now come to an end because our children can catch the bus in the village.
"Parents can now rest in the morning and not accompany their children to the main road because the bus leaves from the village."
Over the past three years, students arrived home between 6pm and 7pm from school because of the long walk from the main road.