More than half of Ba has been significantly affected by devastating floodwaters, which local authorities are calling the worst flooding the town has experienced in several years. Homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure remain submerged after persistent rainfall, leaving residents grappling with the aftermath and preparing for a prolonged recovery.
Moshim Khan, the chairman of the Ba Town Council Board of Special Administrators, confirmed that over 50% of the town is impacted, with the level of destruction alarming. While the catastrophic floods of 2009 and 2012 are historically noted for their severity, Khan believes this latest disaster has surpassed the severity of experiences over the last three to four years. “I would say that 2009 and 2012 was the biggest, as always, but compared to the past year floods, three or four years, this one is the worst one,” he remarked.
Commerce in Ba has come to a standstill, with thick silt and debris covering shop floors. The municipal market, central to Ba’s fresh produce trade, remains closed. Khan noted, “Majority of the shops and the business houses are closed as well as the municipal market is closed.” Despite the challenging conditions, council workers have embarked on the difficult task of clearing debris, starting with the market area. However, high-pressure cleaning cannot commence until weather conditions improve. “It will take us approximately three days because of the silt in the market,” Khan stated.
In a call for unity during this challenging time, Khan encouraged the ratepayers and business community to come together. “This is nothing new for us, and we’re doing our best. We’re just waiting for the weather to be cleared.”
A multi-agency clean-up operation is currently underway, with municipal councils from across Viti Levu joining efforts to support Ba in its recovery. Teams from Nasinu and Nausori Town Councils are collaborating with the Ba Town Council, the National Fire Authority, and the Fiji Police Force to expedite recovery efforts. Khan expressed gratitude for the external support, noting that NFA officers were poised to assist once the weather permits.
Rajesh Kumar, Acting CEO of Nausori Town Council, confirmed that a team had already departed for Ba to aid in the clean-up efforts. “They will be part of the Ba Town Council clean-up so that we can regularise the township into action as soon as possible,” he said, emphasizing the importance of collective community wellness.
John Tuiono, Special Administrator and acting board chairman of Nasinu Town Council, mentioned the need for internal restructuring to manage resources effectively amidst this emergency. “This is a very good question and demands that we consult widely with our supervisors for the rescheduling of staff,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of teamwork in overcoming this crisis.
While the devastation is significant, the swift response from neighboring councils reflects a strong communal spirit and commitment to recovery, promising a path toward restoring normalcy for the residents of Ba.
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