For Rose Tamata and more than 500 residents of Narnikao, Eratap, Efate, a newly improved road has brought relief from years of muddy and difficult journeys.

“It feels like a completely new road, like putting on a new pair of shoes. Before, our feet and legs would get dirty from the mud, but now we no longer have that problem,” Rose said.

The road improvement was made possible through the efforts of Eratap Area Council Councillor, Hon. Renie Karr, who used his own tools and private truck, with help from young people in the community.

Residents have welcomed the work, describing it as a significant improvement to their daily lives.

One resident, who settled in Eratap in 2004, said they have different leaders over the years but considered Councillor Karr’s efforts an outstanding contribution to the community.

Previously, poor road conditions made it difficult for vehicles to reach Narnikao, forcing residents to use wheelbarrows to transport locally grown food crops and leafy vegetables to market.

With the road improved, residents are hopeful of easier access to transport and better opportunities to sell their produce.

“We see the councillor doing this work, and we are very happy. Everyone is happy,” another community member said.

Information received by VBTC News indicates that Councillor Karr has also helped improve two main roads in Eratap and construct several bus stops to make public transport more accessible.

For Narnikao residents, the improved road means easier travel, better access to essential services and fewer obstacles to earning an income from locally grown produce.

For Rose, the change is simple but meaningful: a journey that once meant walking through mud is now a much easier experience.