More than 200 farmers in the districts of Dogotuki, Udu and Cikobia in Macuata are expected to benefit from improved access to markets following the commissioning of a new 10-kilometre farm road.

The Nubunisoqosoqo Farm Road in Dogotuki was officially opened this week by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu.

Constructed under the Ministry’s Rural Outer Island (ROI) Development Programme, the project was completed in three phases at a cost of more than $460,000.

The new road provides safer and more reliable access between farming communities and main roads, allowing farmers to transport crops to market more quickly while improving the delivery of farming supplies to their properties.

The Coalition Government says the upgraded infrastructure is also expected to encourage future agricultural investment and create opportunities for small business development in the area.

Speaking at the commissioning, Minister Bulitavu said the project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure and strengthening livelihoods.

“Roads such as this are pathways to opportunities. They connect our farmers to markets, improve access to essential services and create opportunities for economic growth within our rural communities,” he said.

The road is expected to improve connectivity for farming communities while supporting increased agricultural productivity and rural economic development in Macuata.