Dredging Success: How Navua Farmers Averted Disaster

A potential disaster for agriculture in the Navua area was averted, thanks to the extensive dredging carried out by the government in 1986 on the Navua River. This initiative played a crucial role during recent heavy rainfall, as it significantly reduced the risk of flooding that could have devastatingly impacted crops and livestock.

According to local farmers in the Navua basin, the dredging allowed for improved drainage, enabling water to flow away faster and preventing the river from overflowing its banks. Greg Blakeney, manager of Consolidated Agriculture Fiji Ltd, remarked on the positive effect of the flood protection measures, stating that farmers were able to continue harvesting mature rice and other crops without experiencing substantial damage.

The Navua Advisory Council confirmed that hundreds of hectares of valuable rice crops were saved due to the river’s current depth. Local farmers, utilizing their past experiences with flooding, proactively moved their harvested crops and animals to higher ground when warnings were issued, demonstrating community resilience and preparedness.

Noteworthy farmer Jone Waqanidrola expressed gratitude for both the dredging efforts and the introduction of the dwarfed Uttam rice variety, which is better suited to withstand harsh weather conditions. He noted the miraculous outcome that floodwaters did not reach his village, demonstrating the effectiveness of flood management strategies.

This successful event echoes similar initiatives across Fiji, such as recent dredging on the Ba River to mitigate flooding risks, which saw the removal of over 300,000 cubic meters of silt to enhance water discharge capacity. As the government continues to focus on agricultural infrastructure and flood management, local communities can remain hopeful for a resilient future.

The proactive measures taken by both farmers and government entities illustrate a commendable approach to disaster risk management, creating a safer environment for agriculture and community development in Fiji.