Flood Fury: Sigatoka Businesses Demand Accountability from Authorities

The business community in Sigatoka is expressing serious concerns regarding recent flash floods that have significantly disrupted the town, blaming the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for alleged negligence. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, articulated the frustrations of local businesses and residents, pointing to inadequate drainage systems and blocked waterways as critical contributors to the crisis.

Naidu emphasized the severe impact of the floods on the local economy, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He underscored that the effects of the flooding go beyond simple inconveniences, threatening the very foundation of economic activity within the community.

Criticism directed at the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA highlighted a consistent pattern of neglect. Naidu pointed out that delays in dredging projects, lack of essential infrastructure maintenance, and ineffective flood mitigation plans collectively exacerbated the situation. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” he stated, asserting that the authorities must be held accountable for their failures.

In his demands, Naidu suggested that these agencies should be stripped of their budgets until they can demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing flood mitigation and infrastructure maintenance. He warned that ongoing inaction poses a significant threat to the safety and prosperity of Sigatoka.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for proactive infrastructure management and the importance of effective governance to safeguard communities against natural disasters. There is hope that the challenges facing Sigatoka will prompt a reassessment of the current strategies employed by authorities, leading to improved flood preparedness and a stronger relationship between the government and the local business community. By addressing these issues responsibly, it is possible to enhance resilience against future flooding events and restore trust within the affected populations.