In Ba, school students face significant risks during heavy rain, particularly at the Maururu Bridge crossing, which is prone to flooding. This bridge has a history of structural failures, having collapsed in 2017 due to severe flooding, leading to the use of culverts for crossing since then. Local resident Amit Kumar expressed concerns about the safety and accessibility of the crossing, especially for over 1,000 residents, including students from a nearby boarding school. Parents are left to carry their children across during floods, complicating safe passage, while the Ba Town Council struggles to transport waste due to impassable conditions.
This situation highlights a broader issue of public safety and infrastructure inadequacy in the face of adverse weather conditions. The Fiji Meteorological Services have issued a flood warning for areas adjacent to and downstream of the Ba River, alongside alerts for the Nadi River, Sabeto, and Nawaka Rivers. A trough of low pressure affecting Fiji is expected to bring continued rain and potential flooding through Monday, further exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in these areas.
The situation underscores the need for urgent improvements in local infrastructure and flood management systems to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. With proactive measures and investment in resilient infrastructure, there is hope for a safer environment for students and residents alike in the future.
Leave a comment