Nasekula Residents Demand Urgent Floodgate Fix as Flooding Crisis Deepens

Residents of Nasekula village in Labasa are pressing for urgent action to replace the inadequate floodgates that have contributed to increased flooding during the rainy season. Villager Mopa Nainima stated that these floodgates obstruct water flow, causing severe drainage issues and making activities such as swimming and fishing challenging.

Nainima highlighted that the floodgates are effectively blocking drainage and accumulating debris, exacerbating flooding. She noted, “Before, we didn’t have this issue when mangroves were present, but now we require a proper bridge and road instead of a floodgate that is hindering everything.”

In addition to flooding, waste disposal has emerged as a critical issue, with residents expressing concern that trash is being dumped into the river, further compromising the local environment. Labasa Special Administrator Samu Ligairi explained the garbage collection schedules, emphasizing that while Nasekula village is serviced weekly, some nearby communities still face challenges in proper waste management.

The Ministry of Waterways has been contacted for further comments regarding this pressing matter. Local calls for infrastructure improvements are reminiscent of similar appeals from residents in nearby areas such as Boca, Bulileka, who have faced ongoing flooding due to poor drainage systems. There, community members have also been vocal about the need for authorities to address longstanding drainage issues to better safeguard their health and living conditions.

This situation illuminates the broader infrastructure challenges in Labasa, where residents are keenly aware of the links between environmental management and their well-being. By continuing to advocate for improvements, the Nasekula villagers and their neighbors foster hope for a collaborative approach with local authorities that leads to effective solutions for both flooding and waste management.

In conclusion, the combined pressure from these communities highlights a critical opportunity for local governments to prioritize necessary infrastructure enhancements, ultimately striving for a safer and healthier environment for all residents.