THE condition of the road in East Fataleka, Malaita Province, continues to worsen, causing major disruptions to government services and businesses undertakings in the region.
Road users told the Solomon Star that the road condition has deteriorated to the worst state and certain sections of the road are almost impassable by vehicles.
Small businesses in the area are struggling to survive due to the worsened state of the road.
The road users said the situation has forced canteen operators to increase their prices thrice, leaving consumers to suffer.
The situation is also having a toll on the frequency of people travelling to Auki. Some frequent travelers in the past have limited their travel to the provincial capital to just once a month.
Recent images of the East Fataleka Road shared on social media have sparked public concern and highlight the urgency of the national government addressing the worsened road situation.
A social media commentator lamented that the road is a crucial link for farmers and small business operators in East Fataleka to market in Auki and its appalling condition impedes them from active engagement in essential farming and trading activities.
“With the start of a new year, most parents are trying their best to make money to send their children back to school. Parents who rely on farming for their livelihood will face significant challenges in raising money for school fees due to the road conditions,” the commentator said.
A senior Malaitan Danny Belo, who traveled to East Fataleka during the recent Christmas holidays, shared photos of the deteriorated East Fataleka Road.
Mr Belo said the road condition has deteriorated and is unsafe for vehicle travelers.
He said trucks traveling the road have to use 4WD and that passengers have to help push or pull them using ropes in order to pass through certain sections.
“Some truck owners are now complaining bitterly about having to pay for spare parts after every trip,” Mr Belo added.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
