A women’s group of the Southern Ward led by former councilor and current President of Widows’ Association, Marie Kalkoa, is urging the Members of Parliament (MPs) for Port Vila, to ‘put their budget where their mouth is”.
“We are tired. Please fund the renovation of the pothole filled street at Namba 3”, Kalkoa begged.
“The fact that Southern Ward is a small ward compared to all other wards, does not mean the Government can turn its back on its duty to repair the street, as it leads to major hotels and schools and rural communities including Pango Village.
“And don’t forget it’s these rural communities which spearheaded the original struggle for freedom from colonial rule, which the country has been enjoying for going on 46 years now.
“Besides, the Government has the budget for other projects but streets and roads are vital as they promote the movement of people to and from development opportunities.’’
The street is becoming a ‘no go’ area as bus drivers refuse to drive there. The is concerned vehicles navigating the street now drive on the opposite side of the road, putting lives of children and students in the area at risk.
She said her group does not encourage any temporary refills of pot holes with white gravel which is easily washed away by rain.
“What we need is a permanent tar-sealed street to help us travel in comfort on vehicles as we pay road tax as well as use the buses”, she said.
She said all highways are budgeted for and there is no excuse to turn a blind eye.
“Please Government, respond to our desperate call as soon as possible to repair our street because when the rain stops and the street becomes dry then instead of mud, dust enters every home next to the street and this is not a rural area but the urban area of Port Vila”, Kalkoa said.
