Maintenance dredging at the Denarau Marina channel is urgently needed, according to Port Denarau Marina CEO Cynthia Rasch. She expressed appreciation for the Government’s allocation of funds toward this project. During the recent parliament session, Finance Minister Biman Prasad announced that $5.5 million has been earmarked for dredging works aimed at mitigating flooding and enhancing infrastructure in Denarau, emphasizing its significance to the tourism sector.
The Denarau Marina channel has not been dredged since 2012, leading to ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Tourism and Waterways. Rasch stated that Port Denarau Marina fully supports the dredging initiative, as it is crucial for maintaining a safe and accessible environment for vessels—an essential component of Fiji’s tourism-driven economy.
The marina is currently awaiting final approval for its dredging license, which is under review by the Solicitor General’s office. Rasch mentioned that once the license is granted, the marina will issue a press release detailing future plans.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, noted that the dredging project is still under consideration, with technical studies ongoing. He expressed gratitude for the allocated funds and highlighted the interconnection between the marina and the tourism industry.
Ditoka pointed out that dredging will allow various types of vessels to access their designated berths more easily, reflecting the broader economic benefits. Additionally, he acknowledged past flooding issues in the Nadi area, particularly in Yavusania Village, and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in flood management.
He also confirmed plans to dredge the Nadi Riverbank adjacent to Malolo, ensuring careful consideration to avoid adverse effects of saltwater intrusion. The government aims to conduct dredging operations cautiously to prevent creating more problems in the future.