Flooding Disrupts Business in Western Fiji Towns

Severe weather conditions have significantly impacted businesses in several towns within the western division, including Ba and Rakiraki. Rising water levels forced these areas to close shops in a bid to safeguard local businesses from flooding.

Moshin Khan, the chair of the Ba Town Council’s special administration, emphasized that the decision to shut down Ba town during the flooding was an important measure to protect commercial establishments. He and his team have collaborated closely with the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji National Disaster Management Office, the Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority on this matter. Although Ba Main Street had briefly reopened on Friday, it had to close again between 1 PM and 2 PM due to worsening conditions. The Market Arcade began to experience flooding as early as 7 AM that day.

In Tavua, health inspector Serevi Nabura confirmed that the MaxVal-U supermarket had to close its doors, citing flood spillover from the nearby river affecting businesses. Although Tavua town remained open, it was still grappling with localized flooding problems, particularly around the Shop N Shop supermarket. Rakiraki town, on the other hand, had to shut down entirely as water levels from a creek increased significantly.

In contrast, Nadi town remained operational, with businesses engaging in clean-up efforts after the inclement weather. Muni Reddy, the chief executive officer of Nadi Town Council, reported that activities continued normally despite the challenges. Similarly, the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s chairman, Suresh Naidu, noted that the town was functioning normally, showcasing a resilient spirit in the face of adversity.

Overall, while the adverse weather has created obstacles for some businesses, the determination and collaboration among local authorities and community members are critical in navigating these challenges. Such cooperative efforts not only reinforce local resilience but also lay the groundwork for future recovery strategies. Hope remains as communities come together to support one another and restore normalcy.