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Flood Fury: Business Community Blames Neglect for Devastating Flash Floods

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The business community in Sigatoka has voiced strong concerns, alleging negligence by the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) following the flash floods that impacted the town on Wednesday. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the issues of poor drainage and blocked waterways as significant contributors to the flooding.

In his remarks, Mr. Naidu expressed the community’s distress over the floods, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He further noted that these challenges extend beyond mere inconvenience, posing a threat to the broader economy.

Criticism was directed towards the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA, with Mr. Naidu emphasizing a history of neglect and inaction in their responsibilities. He pointed out that delays in dredging projects, neglect of essential infrastructure maintenance, and lack of flood mitigation planning had all contributed to the situation. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” he asserted.

He also stressed that the ministry’s ineffective management of waterways, combined with the FRA’s inadequate road maintenance, exacerbated the flood impact. Mr. Naidu’s calls for accountability included demands for budget restrictions on both agencies until they demonstrate a firm commitment to flood mitigation and infrastructure upkeep.

Mr. Naidu concluded by insisting that ongoing inaction poses a real threat to national safety and prosperity, urging for immediate corrective measures.

This situation underscores the importance of adequate infrastructure and ongoing maintenance in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. It serves as a critical reminder for governmental agencies to prioritize proactive measures to protect communities and businesses from unforeseen events.

Summary: The Sigatoka business community has raised alarms over recent flash floods, blaming government negligence for poor drainage and blocked waterways. Chamber president Suresh Naidu calls for accountability and urgent action, stating that the neglect threatens local economies and safety.


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