Port Denarau Marina’s Chief Executive Officer, Cynthia Rasch, has highlighted the urgent need for maintenance dredging in the Denarau Marina channel. She expressed enthusiasm for the government’s recent allocation of funds aimed at addressing these issues. During the latest parliamentary session, Finance Minister Biman Prasad announced a $5.5 million budget dedicated to dredging, which is crucial for mitigating flooding and reinforcing infrastructure in Denarau, an area significant to the tourism industry.
The marina channel hasn’t undergone dredging since 2012, making it a recurring topic of concern for both the Ministry of Tourism and Waterways. Rasch emphasized that the Port Denarau Marina supports this initiative, as it is vital for maintaining the marina’s safety and accessibility, which in turn bolsters Fiji’s tourism-dependent economy.
Currently, Port Denarau Marina awaits the final clearance for its dredging license, which is pending with the Solicitor General’s office. Rasch mentioned that once approval is secured, a press release detailing future plans for the marina will be issued. The marina, along with its shareholders, is committed to promoting economic development while prioritizing environmental protection and community service.
However, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, noted that the project is still under consideration. He stated that ongoing studies are assessing the precise locations for dredging, but he expressed gratitude for the allocated funds and the forthcoming work.
Ditoka emphasized the importance of government support for the tourism sector, indicating that improved dredging would enable a wider range of vessels access to their designated berths, thereby enhancing the experience for tourists. He also mentioned that dredging could alleviate flood-related issues, particularly in areas like Yavusania Village, which has faced challenges with soil erosion.
Planning is also underway for dredging the Nadi Riverbank near Malolo, which lies within the town’s limits. Ditoka noted that there is a careful approach to the dredging process, as interventions in other areas of Fiji have occasionally resulted in saltwater intrusion. It’s crucial that the dredging efforts are handled thoughtfully to avoid creating additional problems in the future.