The transfer of drainage management from municipal councils to the Fiji Roads Authority has been linked to increased flooding in urban areas, particularly Lautoka City. This unfavorable outcome was highlighted in the recent Consolidated Review Report of the Lautoka City Council’s annual reports from 2015 to 2017, presented by the Committee on Social Affairs in Parliament. Both opposition leaders and government officials expressed their concerns and called for the reallocation of drainage responsibilities back to local council authorities.
Deputy Opposition Leader Parveen Kumar stated that the recent flooding incidents were unexpected, as such occurrences were less frequent when the councils managed drainage systems. Kumar noted that residents trust their local councils to handle these issues effectively. Opposition MP Hem Chand emphasized the need for the Lautoka City Council to take over additional responsibilities, such as managing streetlighting.
In response, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa pointed out that the decision to transfer drainage management to the Fiji Roads Authority was made by the previous administration. He reassured that the current government is committed to addressing these issues, including the incorporation of flood mitigation measures in the upcoming budget to better equip municipalities in managing flood risks.
This situation emphasizes the importance of effective collaboration between local councils and governmental authorities to enhance urban resilience. Such partnerships are essential not only in addressing the exacerbating conditions of flooding but also in tackling broader urban challenges highlighted in similar reviews from other municipalities, suggesting that collective efforts could lead to impactful improvements in urban living conditions.
Overall, the community and government officials remain hopeful that by addressing these systemic governance issues, there will be a positive shift towards better infrastructure management and urban planning initiatives.
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