The business community in Sigatoka has voiced serious concerns regarding the negligence of the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) following recent flash floods that disrupted life in the town. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented both affected businesses and residents, emphasizing that poor drainage and blocked waterways significantly contributed to the flooding crisis.
Naidu expressed deep distress over the situation, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He underlined that these challenges extend beyond minor inconveniences, posing a genuine threat to the local economy’s stability.
Criticism was leveled at both the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA, with Naidu highlighting a history of neglect and inaction in managing the flood risk effectively. He pointed out that crucial dredging projects have been delayed, vital infrastructure maintenance has been overlooked, and flood mitigation plans have been left unattended. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” he insisted, attributing the damage to the authorities’ lack of response.
Naidu called for accountability by demanding that both organizations be stripped of their budgets until they demonstrate a commitment to improving flood mitigation and infrastructure maintenance. He warned that sustained inaction could lead to severe consequences for national safety and prosperity, urging immediate action to address the pressing issues.
This situation underscores the critical need for proactive measures and responsible governance to protect communities effectively. The hope remains that heightened scrutiny will prompt the authorities to address these infrastructure issues and enhance their flood preparedness strategies, potentially restoring trust within the community and bolstering resilience against future flooding events. By addressing these community concerns, a path to improvement and stronger governance may emerge, ultimately benefiting the residents of Sigatoka and its local economy.
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