The business community in Sigatoka has expressed serious concerns over the recent flash floods that have caused significant disruptions in the town, attributing the crisis to negligence on the part of 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 businesses and residents, pointing to inadequate drainage systems and blocked waterways as major factors contributing to the flooding.

Naidu articulated the distress felt by the local business community, 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 issue extends beyond mere inconveniences and poses a considerable threat to the local economy’s stability.

Criticism was aimed at both the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA as Naidu highlighted a troubling pattern of neglect and inaction regarding their responsibilities. He pointed out that delays in dredging projects, a lack of essential infrastructure maintenance, and the absence of effective flood mitigation plans have compounded the flooding crisis. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” Naidu asserted, emphasizing the need for accountability from the authorities.

In a call for immediate action, Naidu demanded that both organizations be stripped of their budgets until they can demonstrate a commitment to improving flood mitigation efforts and maintaining infrastructure. He warned that ongoing inaction poses a significant threat not only to business viability but also to community safety and national prosperity.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for proactive infrastructure management and responsible governance. The hope is that these criticisms will lead to reforms that strengthen flood preparedness strategies, thereby enhancing community resilience and restoring public trust in government entities. By addressing these critical issues, authorities have the opportunity to not only safeguard the interests of Sigatoka’s residents and businesses but also to lay a foundation for a more prosperous and secure future.

Summary: The Sigatoka business community is urgently calling for government accountability and effective flood management following flash floods attributed to negligence in infrastructure maintenance. With significant economic implications, there is a pressing need for local authorities to take action to ensure safety and stability in the region.