The business community in Sigatoka has raised serious concerns regarding the recent flash floods that disrupted the town, directing blame towards the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for alleged negligence. Suresh Naidu, the president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented the frustrations of affected businesses and residents, pointing out that poor drainage and blocked waterways were significant contributors to the flooding crisis.
Naidu expressed the community’s distress over the floods, highlighting the negative impact on local businesses. He stated, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He further emphasized that the situation is not merely an inconvenience; it poses a significant threat to the local economy.
Naidu criticized the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA for their ongoing failures, noting that dredging projects have been delayed and vital infrastructure maintenance has been overlooked. He asserted, “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error.” He further explained that the ineffective management of waterways by the Ministry and inadequate road maintenance by the FRA have exacerbated the flooding effects.
The calls for accountability are clear, with Naidu demanding that both agencies be stripped of their budgets until they prove a commitment to improving flood mitigation and infrastructure maintenance. “Continued inaction poses a real threat to national safety and prosperity,” he warned, urging for immediate reforms.
This situation underscores the importance of proactive infrastructure management and the need for government entities to prioritize public safety and economic stability. The community is hopeful that these criticisms will encourage the authorities to improve their flood preparedness strategies, thereby restoring public trust and ensuring the resilience of Sigatoka against future flooding.
Summary: The Sigatoka business community is calling for urgent government action following flash floods attributed to negligence in drainage and infrastructure maintenance. With demands for accountability from the Fiji Roads Authority and the Ministry of Waterways, there is a pressing need for effective flood mitigation measures to safeguard the local economy and community safety.
Leave a comment