Heavy rains in Ba have put school students at significant risk, particularly at the Maururu Bridge, which tends to flood during such weather events. The bridge, which collapsed in 2017 due to severe flooding, is now only accessible via culverts.
Local resident Amit Kumar expressed concerns that despite previous government promises to construct a new bridge, no progress has been made. The crossing is crucial not only for residents—over 1,000 individuals, including families with children attending a boarding school in the area—but also for the Ba Town Council, which relies on this route for transporting waste to the landfill at Maururu, located just one kilometer from Ba Town.
Mr. Kumar, who also serves as president of Wailagi Crime Watch, highlighted the significant challenges the community faces during adverse weather conditions. Parents often have to carry their small children across the flooded area while the town council struggles to manage waste disposal, further complicating access to essential public services in town.
In light of these challenges, the Fiji Meteorological Services has issued ongoing flood warnings for areas prone to flooding along the Ba River, with alerts extending to the Nadi River, Sabeto, and Nawaka Rivers. A flash flood advisory is also in place for low-lying areas and small streams across Fiji. As a trough of low pressure remains stationary over the region, ongoing rain is expected to continue affecting the country through Monday.
This situation underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to safeguard community members, especially schoolchildren, from the dangers posed by flooding. It’s an opportunity for local authorities to revisit commitments to better protect residents and ensure safe passage during extreme weather events.
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