Residents of Malakua Road in Qeleloa, Nadi, are expressing their frustration over persistent drainage problems that lead to flooding in their community during heavy rainfall. Pastor Meli Tukana, representing the Yarawa Circuit Wesley Division church, stated that the local populace has been grappling with these issues for years, where even a modest amount of rain can render the road impassable for small vehicles.
“This is the main road to the temple and then you have the train that comes towards this community,” Tukana remarked. He explained that only three-tonne trucks or twin cabs can manage to navigate the flooded areas, with conditions worsening significantly after just three hours of persistent rain. Should the rain extend to eight hours, the situation becomes dire and movement through the area is often wholly restricted.
The geography of the region, with the Vuniyasi River surrounding the community, exacerbates the issue. Floodwaters frequently converge at the first Qeleloa bridge located behind the temple. According to Mr. Tukana, insufficient drainage from developers and the impact of heavy logging trucks have markedly worsened the road’s condition.
“The poor drainage caused by developers and the traffic from large trucks are significant contributors to the road’s decline,” he noted. Despite efforts by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to address the problems in the area, Pastor Tukana pointed out that the repairs are often short-lived.
The infrastructure challenges extend to nearby crossings, highlighting the plight of the Tunalia Bridge, which has collapsed, and another bridge leading to Malolo that has gone unrepaired for two years. “Had they fixed that bridge, it would have alleviated the traffic congestion. People from this area have to walk long distances as a result,” he added.
The flooding not only disrupts transportation but also threatens the local economy. Pastor Tukana, who oversees a six-acre farm of orchids and watermelons, mentioned that frequent flooding compromises his crops, while sugarcane truck drivers face significant challenges during the harvesting season. “When it rains, drivers often require a tractor to pull their seven-tonne trucks, incurring extra costs that hurt their earnings,” he said.
With schools set to reopen soon, the community is particularly concerned for students who must rise early to ensure they catch their buses on time. For families without vehicles, the daily commute can entail lengthy walks.
In an effort to find a resolution, Mr. Tukana suggested that dredging and expanding the river could be viable solutions to mitigate the ongoing flooding. The Fiji Roads Authority has been approached for a response to these issues and their implications on the community.
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