Businesses in towns across the western division, particularly in Ba and Rakiraki, have been significantly impacted by recent flooding. Shops in these areas had to close as water levels rose and inundated commercial spaces.
Moshin Khan, the Special Administrator Chair of Ba Town Council, emphasized that the decision to close Ba Town during the flooding was taken to ensure the safety of businesses and their owners. He and his team have been coordinating with the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority (NFA) to manage the situation effectively. While Ba’s Main Street remained open on Friday, it began closing between 1 PM and 2 PM due to rising water levels. By 7 AM, the Market Arcade had already seen water intrusion.
In Tavua, health inspector Serevi Nabura reported that the MaxVal-U supermarket was closed for the day because of flooding, although Tavua town itself was still open, albeit affected by water overflow near Shop N Shop supermarket. Rakiraki town was completely closed as water from a nearby creek surged into the area.
In contrast, towns like Nadi and Nadroga/Navosa reported a return to normalcy, with businesses resuming operations and engaging in clean-up efforts. Muni Reddy, the Chief Executive Officer of Nadi Town Council, noted that it was business as usual despite the recent weather challenges. Suresh Naidu, the chairman of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed this sentiment, indicating that business activity was ongoing in the region known for its rugby culture.
In summary, while Ba and Rakiraki faced considerable disruptions due to flooding, communities in other areas are recovering and getting back to business. This resilience exemplifies the determination of local businesses and their ability to bounce back from adverse conditions, showcasing a hopeful outlook for future operations.
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