The business community of Sigatoka has expressed strong concerns regarding the recent flash floods that severely disrupted the town, pointing fingers at the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for alleged negligence. Suresh Naidu, the president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, articulated the frustrations of many affected businesses and residents by highlighting the critical issues of poor drainage systems and blocked waterways as significant contributors to the flooding disaster.

Mr. Naidu emphasized the serious impact of these floods, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He made it clear that this situation extends beyond mere inconvenience and poses a significant threat to the foundation of the local economy.

The accusations against the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA revolve around a pattern of neglect and inaction, with Mr. Naidu noting that key dredging projects have been repeatedly delayed, essential infrastructure maintenance has been ignored, and flood mitigation plans have not been adequately addressed. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” he asserted, attributing the unfortunate events to failures by the relevant authorities.

In light of these issues, Mr. Naidu called for accountability and demanded that both organizations have their budgets restricted until they demonstrate a thorough commitment to improving flood management and infrastructure upkeep. He warned that ongoing neglect poses grave risks to national safety and prosperity, insisting, “We cannot allow this to continue.”

This ongoing crisis not only underscores the critical need for proactive infrastructure management but also highlights the importance of governmental accountability in protecting local communities from future disasters. It is hoped that this situation will serve as an impetus for the authorities to review and enhance their flood preparedness strategies, potentially restoring public trust and ensuring resilience against future flooding in Sigatoka.

In summary, the urgent call for effective government action serves as a reminder of the need for timely infrastructure improvements to safeguard local economies, reinforce community safety, and prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.