Recent weather conditions have taken a toll on businesses in several towns within Fiji’s western division, notably Ba and Rakiraki. In these areas, rising water levels compelled shops to close temporarily as a precautionary measure.
Moshin Khan, the Special Administrator Chair of the Ba Town Council, explained that the decision to close businesses during the flooding was aimed at safeguarding the commercial sectors. Collaborating with the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO), the Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority (NFA), Mr. Khan’s team has been proactive in managing the situation. Although Ba’s Main Street was open initially, it had to be closed by early afternoon due to deteriorating conditions. Reports indicated that water began entering the Market Arcade around 7 AM.
In Tavua, health inspector Serevi Nabura confirmed the temporary closure of MaxVal-U supermarket while noting that, despite being open, Tavua was also affected by flooding close to Shop N Shop supermarket, caused by river runoff. Meanwhile, Rakiraki was completely shut down as water levels rose significantly from the nearby creek, impacting daily operations.
In contrast, towns like Nadi and areas within the Nadroga/Navosa region experienced little disruption. Muni Reddy, CEO of Nadi Town Council, reported that businesses resumed operations and began cleanup efforts following the flood. Suresh Naidu, chairman of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that the situation in rugby town remains stable, with operations continuing as normal.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent flooding, communities are demonstrating resilience. The collaborative efforts between local authorities and businesses indicate a strong commitment to recovery and support for affected trades. As the clean-up efforts unfold, there is hope for a swift return to normalcy, highlighting the spirit of community and determination in the face of adversity.