Businesses in several towns across the western division, including Ba and Rakiraki, faced disruptions due to rising water levels caused by adverse weather conditions. The flooding necessitated the temporary closure of shops in these areas to safeguard the businesses and ensure the safety of the public.
Moshin Khan, the special administrator of the Ba Town Council, stated that the decision to close Ba Town was made to protect local businesses. His team has been collaborating with various organizations, including the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority (NFA), to manage the situation effectively.
While Ba Main Street remained open initially on Friday, it was gradually closed between 1 PM and 2 PM. In the Market Arcade, water began to enter around 7 AM. In Tavua, health inspector Serevi Nabura confirmed the temporary closure of MaxVal-U supermarket due to flooding, although Tavua town itself remained open. However, flooding near the Shop N Shop supermarket from the river caused challenges, while Rakiraki town also shut down as creek waters rose into the area.
In contrast, businesses in Nadi and Nadroga/Navosa reported a return to normalcy, with the Nadi Town Council’s chief executive officer Muni Reddy indicating that various businesses began their clean-up efforts and resumed operations. Suresh Naidu, chairman of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed this sentiment, stating that business was continuing as usual in the region.
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the resilience of local communities and collaboration among authorities demonstrate a hopeful outlook for recovery and continued support for businesses in these affected areas. The efforts of local councils and businesses to bounce back quickly reflect the strength of community spirit during adversity.
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