Locals in North East and North West Malekula are raising concerns over the poor state of roads, which they say is making it difficult to transport food and kava to Lakatoro market.

Ray Kanety, a revenue collector, told VBTC News that the condition of the roads has severely worsened.

“We need a lot of help with the roads. We do small maintenance work using manpower, but when heavy rain comes, everything is washed away. We need proper infrastructure,” he said.

Gilo Tulili, another local, said the bad roads are affecting farmers and market vendors, especially mothers.

“When kava doesn’t reach the market, there’s a shortage. And when mothers can’t travel to sell food, the market ends up with no food. We need proper road repairs,” he said.

Another community member expressed concern about the lack of updates from the government on when roadworks will begin.

Area Administrator for North West Malekula, Jerryson Hosea, confirmed to VBTC News that discussions are ongoing to address the issue.