The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has addressed concerns regarding flooding at the Naqiliso informal settlement, attributing the issue primarily to illegal dumping of waste by residents rather than construction activities at the nearby Nasinu Cemetery. In a recent statement, the FCS refuted claims suggesting that their ongoing construction projects contributed to the flooding, clarifying that improper disposal of rubbish and wastewater has hindered natural drainage in the area.
FCS pointed out that residents have been discharging waste directly onto its property, which is situated in a low-lying region. Over time, this accumulation of waste has obstructed drainage systems, exacerbating flooding conditions. The construction of a new access road within FCS’s legally defined area has aimed to mitigate this illegal flow, however, it has inadvertently led to water pooling within the settlement itself.
The lack of a proper drainage system in Naqiliso has further complicated the situation, with wastewater and sewage collecting in the area’s drains, which remain heavily clogged with plastic and other debris. FCS has noted that several homes and bathroom pipes have encroached upon its land, prompting the Lands Department to issue a 30-day notice for removal, a deadline that has since lapsed. A new 14-day notice has now been issued before further action can be taken.
Once the encroachments are cleared, FCS is poised to install a more efficient drainage system to help alleviate the flooding issue. The Service has emphasized that it secured all necessary construction approvals and conducted its work within specified regulations.
In its efforts to restore safe conditions, FCS has committed to collaborating with health authorities to clear decades’ worth of rubbish, including household appliances and plastics, from its property that contribute to the drainage blockages. Additionally, it is partnering with the Fiji Roads Authority and the Lands Department to develop a long-term strategy to address complications related to nearby Government Roads Reserve lands.
FCS urges the media to verify facts and promote balanced reporting as the agency seeks to protect the well-being of local communities while successfully managing the project.
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