Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau has highlighted that the irresponsible and illegal disposal of waste has significantly contributed to the severe flooding that impacted various communities in the Central Division on Sunday night. Recent inspections revealed that drains and waterways were clogged with rubbish, which led to a rapid increase in floodwaters.
Tuisawau noted, “One of the main issues is the dumping of rubbish into the drainage system. They had to dig up the Suva bus stand after resurfacing because of blockages.” This situation underscores the urgent need for better waste management and community awareness regarding the proper disposal of rubbish.
The Minister stated that relevant agencies are now directed to collaborate more closely, especially after numerous residents experienced some of the worst flooding in recent years. He emphasized that both the Fiji Roads Authority and Suva City Council must seek long-term solutions and reassess the existing infrastructure to prevent future incidents.
He acknowledged the increasing challenges posed by population growth and informal settlements encroaching on road reserves and drainage systems. “We also need to reassess current infrastructure. These factors all must be taken into account,” he added.
Most of the areas affected by the flooding were informal settlements, where a combination of poor urban planning, population increases, and illegal dumping has exacerbated the risk of severe flooding. Despite these challenges, the government is committed to supporting affected families and is taking steps to address the underlying issues contributing to such environmental hazards.
In light of these events, it remains hopeful that with improved cooperation and strategic planning, the communities can work towards more resilient infrastructure and better waste management practices to mitigate the risk of future flooding.
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