Businesses in several towns within the western division, including Ba and Rakiraki, faced significant disruptions due to adverse weather conditions. Rising water levels forced shop closures as floodwaters invaded various establishments.
Moshin Khan, the Special Administrator for Ba Town Council, emphasized that the decision to close businesses during the flooding was a necessary measure to protect local interests. He and his team are collaborating with various organizations, including the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO), Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority (NFA), to navigate the situation effectively.
Although Ba Main Street was initially open on Friday, it started closing down between 1 PM and 2 PM as the conditions worsened. Water began seeping into the Market Arcade as early as 7 AM.
In Tavua, health inspector Serevi Nabura reported that the MaxVal-U supermarket was closed for the day due to local flooding, though other parts of Tavua remained accessible. Meanwhile, Rakiraki saw a complete closure as water levels from the nearby creek rose significantly.
On a brighter note, Nadi and the Nadroga/Navosa regions reported that businesses were operating as normal, with shop owners beginning their clean-up efforts. Muni Reddy, the chief executive officer of Nadi Town Council, confirmed a return to regular business activities, while Suresh Naidu, chairman of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that operations resumed as usual in the local rugby town.
In summary, while the recent weather has significantly impacted Ba and Rakiraki, other areas like Nadi are recovering swiftly, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. This situation highlights the communities’ ability to adapt and come together to support one another during difficult times.
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