The business community in Sigatoka has raised urgent concerns regarding what they perceive as negligence on the part of the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), following flash floods that significantly affected the town on Wednesday. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented both local businesses and residents, pointing to poor drainage and blocked waterways as critical factors contributing to the flooding.

Naidu expressed the community’s grave concerns about the severe impact of the floods, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He emphasized that these disruptions extend beyond mere inconvenience, threatening the fundamental stability of the local economy.

Criticizing the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA, Naidu highlighted a history of neglect and inaction, noting that dredging projects have been delayed, essential maintenance overlooked, and flood mitigation strategies have not been adequately addressed. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” he asserted, placing the blame squarely on these government agencies for their failure to manage the situation effectively.

In response to the ongoing issues, Naidu has demanded accountability, proposing that the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA be stripped of their budgets until they can demonstrate a commitment to flood mitigation and infrastructure maintenance. He warned that continued inaction could pose serious threats to national safety and economic prosperity, insisting, “We cannot allow this to continue.”

This alarming situation underscores the crucial need for proactive infrastructure management and effective governance. The community remains hopeful that the recent scrutiny will lead to necessary reforms and improvements in flood preparedness, promoting public trust in the government. By addressing these pressing concerns, there is an opportunity to enhance infrastructure resilience and ensure better protection for Sigatoka’s residents against future flooding events.

Summary: The Sigatoka business community is calling for immediate action from governmental bodies due to negligence in managing drainage and waterways, which has exacerbated recent flooding. Suresh Naidu demands accountability for the damaging impacts on local businesses and safety, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure management and a firm commitment to flood mitigation efforts.