The business community in Sigatoka has raised serious concerns about the negligence of the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), following recent flash floods that significantly disrupted the town. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, voiced the frustrations of both businesses and residents, attributing the flooding to inadequate drainage systems and blocked waterways.

Naidu expressed the community’s distress, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He highlighted that these issues extend beyond mere inconvenience, signifying a significant threat to the stability of the local economy.

He accused the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA of failing to adequately fulfill their responsibilities, pointing out a troubling history of neglect and inaction. “Dredging projects are delayed, essential infrastructure maintenance overlooked, and flood mitigation plans have remained untouched,” he asserted. He emphasized that this situation is not merely a natural disaster but the result of human error, further exacerbated by the ineffective management of waterways and poor road maintenance by the FRA.

Naidu has called for accountability, demanding that both agencies lose their budgets until they demonstrate a commitment to effective flood mitigation and infrastructure maintenance. He warned that continued inaction could lead to severe threats against national safety and economic prosperity, urging for immediate and decisive action to address these pressing issues.

This situation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of proactive infrastructure management and effective governance to safeguard communities from natural disasters. It offers a hopeful opportunity for local authorities to revamp their approaches to flood preparedness, ensuring a more resilient future for Sigatoka. By addressing these community concerns, there is potential for rebuilding trust and enhancing overall infrastructure, benefiting both local businesses and residents alike.

Summary: The Sigatoka business community is advocating for urgent action from the government following floods attributed to negligence in infrastructure management. Calls for accountability from the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA highlight the pressing need for effective flood mitigation to protect the local economy and community safety.