Floods Disrupt Business in Western Fiji: Towns Take Action

Businesses in several towns within the western division, including Ba and Rakiraki, faced significant disruptions due to flooding caused by the recent adverse weather conditions. Many establishments were compelled to shut down as rising water levels invaded their premises, posing risks to both properties and customers.

Moshin Khan, the special administrator for the Ba Town Council, underscored the necessity of closing businesses during the flooding, emphasizing that this decision was made to safeguard local enterprises. Together with his team, he has collaborated with the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO), Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority (NFA) to address the situation effectively. Although Ba Main Street was open earlier in the day, it began to close around 1 PM to 2 PM, with floodwaters entering the Market Arcade by 7 AM.

In Tavua, Serevi Nabura, a health inspector with the Rakiraki/Tavua Town Council, reported that MaxVal-U supermarket had to close for the day, while Tavua town remained open but faced flooding near the Shop N Shop supermarket due to river overflow. Rakiraki town, however, had to close completely as water levels from a nearby creek rose significantly.

Conversely, in Nadi and Nadroga/Navosa, business operations returned to normal as local businesses initiated clean-up efforts. Muni Reddy, the CEO of Nadi Town Council, confirmed that it was “business as usual,” while Suresh Naidu, chairman of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that business activities in the region continued without interruption.

This situation serves as a reminder of the resilience of communities in the face of natural challenges, showcasing the collective efforts among local authorities, businesses, and residents to navigate such crises. With clean-up efforts underway and the spirit of cooperation evident among local leaders and agencies, there is optimism for recovery and a quick return to normalcy for the affected towns.