The business community in Sigatoka is expressing serious concerns regarding the flash floods that wreaked havoc on the town, attributing the chaos to negligence by the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA). Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, voiced the frustrations of affected business owners and residents, highlighting chronic issues with poor drainage systems and blocked waterways as primary causes of the flooding.

Naidu underscored the significant impacts of the floods, noting, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He emphasized that the repercussions extend far beyond mere inconveniences, posing an existential threat to the stability of the local economy.

Criticism directed at the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA reveals a troubling history of neglect, with Naidu pointing out the continuous delays in essential dredging projects and a lack of maintenance for critical infrastructure, which he believes contributed to the crisis. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” he stated firmly, placing accountability squarely on the shoulders of the authorities.

In his call for accountability, Naidu demanded that both agencies face budget restrictions until they can show a genuine commitment to improving flood management and infrastructure upkeep. He warned that ongoing inaction poses severe risks to both community safety and economic prosperity, stating, “We cannot allow this to continue.”

This alarming situation emphasizes the imperative for proactive infrastructure management and effective governance to protect communities against natural disasters. However, amidst the concerns, there lies a sense of hope that this crisis may serve as a catalyst for necessary reforms in flood preparedness strategies, potentially restoring trust between the government and the local business community.

If the authorities take the feedback constructively, there is a promising opportunity to enhance infrastructure resilience and ensure better protection for Sigatoka’s residents against future flooding events. By addressing these urgent community concerns, the path opens up for improvements, ultimately benefiting both local economies and public safety.

In summary, the call to action for government accountability in Sigatoka reinforces the necessity for improved infrastructure management and effective flood mitigation strategies to safeguard the community and its economic stability.