The dredging project on the Ba River has been completed, aiming to reduce flood risks in Ba town and surrounding communities. This initiative, executed by Hall Contracting under the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, involved the removal of over 300,000 cubic meters of silt, sand, and gravel from a 3.6-kilometer stretch of the river.
According to Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, the dredging has significantly increased the river’s water discharge capacity. This enhancement allows the river to manage higher volumes of water more efficiently during heavy rainfall and storms. The project is part of Fiji’s National Flood Management Strategy and aligns with the commitments made under the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Rayalu emphasized that the dredging effort not only mitigates the frequency and severity of floods but also protects agricultural land and infrastructure, ultimately reducing long-term disaster recovery costs. Furthermore, Cameron Hall, CEO of Hall Contracting, noted that the project has provided employment opportunities for four Fijians, who were trained in dredging and workboat operations.
While future dredging efforts may be required to address natural sediment build-up, the current project is expected to significantly lower the risks associated with flooding in the area, offering hope for safer and more resilient communities in Fiji.
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