Ambae Island has been facing significant challenges due to poor road conditions following heavy rainfall over the past two months. This is the first time residents from the Northeast, South, and Northwest sides of the island have encountered such severe road damage, leaving many areas difficult to access.

VBTC correspondent on Ambae Island, Gibson Tari, reported that the worsening road conditions have raised major concerns among locals. He highlighted the serious impact on healthcare, with patients struggling to reach Memorial Hospital in Lolowai due to trucks getting stuck on the damaged roads.

“One of the most disturbing sights is seeing sick patients who can’t reach the hospital, forcing family members to carry them on their backs to places where trucks can access,” Tari said. “This has been especially worrying for pregnant mothers, as one incident resulted in the loss of a baby after the mother was unable to get to the hospital on time due to the poor road conditions.”

The deteriorating infrastructure is also disrupting essential services. Local business owners and market vendors, who rely on the roads for transporting goods, are experiencing significant delays, which is further adding to the strain on the community.

The situation continues to cause anxiety among the people of Ambae, who are in desperate need of urgent attention to improve the road conditions and ensure the safety of all residents.