The Cabinet has reviewed the findings of the Alternative Options Assessment Report regarding the Nadi Flood Alleviation Project, which was prepared by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. Multiple governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Nadi Town Council, will collaborate to identify funding and implementation strategies for this essential initiative.
The Nadi Flood Alleviation Project aims to enhance flood prevention efforts and minimize risk by developing critical infrastructure such as drainage systems, embankments, and a reservoir in the Nadi town area, which is situated in the lower section of the Nadi River.
This initiative has progressed through various planning stages and conceptual design phases over the years, focusing on both structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures for the Nadi River basin. Notably, it represents Fiji’s largest climate resilience initiative, poised to mitigate both economic and social losses, particularly since Nadi is a crucial hub in the tourism sector and serves as a primary gateway for Fiji to the international market.
Moreover, the project aligns with Fiji’s broader disaster risk resilience strategies as articulated in the National Development Plan for 2025-2029 and the Vision 2050 framework.
In summary, the Nadi Flood Alleviation Project is a significant and timely response to climate change impacts, underscoring Fiji’s commitment to developing sustainable infrastructure that protects its communities and economy. With robust planning and collaboration among multiple stakeholders, there is a promising outlook for enhancing resilience against future flooding events, exemplifying proactive governance in the face of climate challenges.
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