The business community in Sigatoka has voiced serious concerns over the flash floods that severely disrupted the town, accusing the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) of negligence. Suresh Naidu, the president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke on behalf of affected businesses and residents, highlighting poor drainage systems and blocked waterways as critical factors exacerbating the flooding situation.

Naidu expressed deep worry over the impact of the floods, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He emphasized that this situation extends beyond mere inconvenience, threatening the local economy’s very foundation.

He criticized both the Ministry and the FRA for longstanding neglect and inaction, pointing out that essential dredging projects have faced delays, vital infrastructure maintenance has been overlooked, and effective flood mitigation plans have not been implemented. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” Naidu insisted, attributing the damages directly to the authorities’ lack of responsiveness.

Naidu demanded accountability, suggesting that both agencies should be stripped of their budgets until they can demonstrate a commitment to both flood mitigation and proper infrastructure maintenance. He warned that ongoing inaction poses significant risks to the safety and prosperity of the community, asserting, “We cannot allow this to continue.”

This alarming situation sheds light on the critical necessity for proactive measures and effective governance mechanisms to protect communities from natural disasters. The hope remains that these criticisms will prompt the authorities to enhance their infrastructure management and flood preparedness strategies. By addressing these urgent concerns, the government’s response could not only stabilize the current situation but also rebuild trust with local businesses and foster a more resilient future for Sigatoka.

In summary, the Sigatoka business community is urgently calling for government action in the wake of recent floods blamed on poor drainage and infrastructure failures. The emphasis on accountability and effective flood mitigation is crucial for safeguarding both local economies and community safety.