The business community in Sigatoka has raised serious concerns following recent flash floods, accusing the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) of negligence. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, voiced the frustrations of local businesses and residents, attributing the flooding to poor drainage systems and blocked waterways.

Naidu expressed deep concern over the economic fallout from 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 this situation goes beyond mere inconvenience, endangering the very foundation of the local economy.

Highlighting a pattern of neglect from both organizations, Naidu pointed out the delays in crucial dredging projects, the lack of maintenance on essential infrastructure, and the absence of adequate flood mitigation plans. He insisted that the flooding was not an act of nature but rather a result of human error.

In response, he demanded accountability from the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA, suggesting that they should face budget restrictions until they demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving flood management and infrastructure maintenance. He warned that continued inaction could jeopardize national safety and prosperity.

This situation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of proactive infrastructure management and the urgent need for responsible governance to protect communities from such natural disasters. The local community remains hopeful that the current crisis will prompt the authorities to enhance their flood preparedness strategies, restore public trust, and strengthen resilience against future flooding incidents.

By addressing these concerns, there is potential not only for significant improvements in local infrastructure but also for fostering a more cooperative relationship between government entities and the business community, ultimately benefiting the residents of Sigatoka and supporting economic recovery.

In summary, the Sigatoka business community is calling for urgent action from governmental bodies in light of recent flooding, emphasizing the critical need for accountability and effective management of local infrastructure to safeguard the economy and community safety.