The business community in Sigatoka has expressed serious concerns regarding recent flash floods that caused significant disruption in the town, blaming the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for negligence. Suresh Naidu, the president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented affected businesses and residents, attributing the flooding largely to poor drainage systems and blocked waterways.

Naidu conveyed the community’s distress, emphasizing that the school of thought around this crisis extends beyond mere inconvenience and threatens the very foundation of the local economy. He stated, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.”

Criticism was directed particularly at the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA for their apparent failure to manage flood risks effectively. Naidu highlighted a pattern of neglect, including delays in crucial dredging projects and inadequate maintenance of essential infrastructure. He asserted, “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” and urged for accountability from both agencies.

Moreover, Naidu demanded that budgets for these organizations be curtailed until they demonstrate a strong commitment to effective flood mitigation strategies and infrastructure maintenance. He warned that continued inaction could pose serious risks to both public safety and economic stability.

This crisis serves as a critical reminder of the importance of infrastructure management and the necessity for effective governance to protect communities. Despite the negative impact of the floods, there is hope that this situation may prompt the authorities to reevaluate their flood preparedness strategies and rebuild trust with Sigatoka’s residents and businesses. Improving infrastructure resilience not only enhances community safety but also fosters economic stability in the face of natural disasters.

In summary, the business community in Sigatoka is urgently calling for responsible governmental action to address the flooding issues exacerbated by negligence in infrastructure management. There is a pressing need for effective flood mitigation measures to safeguard both local economies and community safety, offering a pathway toward structural improvements and renewed trust.