Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Auta Moceisuva, has addressed concerns raised by residents of Naqiliso regarding recent flooding near the cemetery development site in Nasinu, affirming that the issue is unrelated to construction activities.
Moceisuva emphasized that the corrections service had proactively engaged with the community about the cemetery expansion, which has seen a $2.5 million investment from the government. He pointed out that all necessary legal and environmental protocols were meticulously followed before initiating the project. “We are a government department,” he stated. “We must comply with the law. It’s not that we wake up one day and start digging the place up.”
Residents from a nearby informal settlement had expressed worries that excavation at the site was exacerbating flooding conditions. However, investigations indicated that these flooding issues stemmed from existing drainage problems rather than the development work itself. Moceisuva noted that the settlement is located in a low area where rainwater tends to accumulate. Additionally, rubbish had obstructed a culvert that once effectively channeled water away from the area.
To address these concerns, stakeholders, including the Ministry of Lands and the Fiji Roads Authority, evaluated the situation. As a result, a larger culvert has been installed to enhance drainage in the area, promoting better water flow and mitigating the risk of future flooding.
This collaborative approach to solving community issues highlights the commitment of local authorities to address residents’ concerns swiftly and effectively while ensuring the responsible progression of development projects.
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