The business community in Sigatoka is expressing deep concern over the recent flash floods that disrupted the town, pointing fingers at the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for what they describe as negligence. Suresh Naidu, the president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, voiced the frustrations of both affected businesses and residents, citing poor drainage systems and blocked waterways as principal causes of the flooding.
Naidu remarked on the gravity of the situation, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He emphasized that the floods represent more than just an inconvenience, threatening the very foundation of the local economy.
The president accused the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA of persistently neglecting their duties, pointing to delayed dredging projects, a lack of maintenance on crucial infrastructure, and ineffective flood mitigation plans as evidence of a long-standing problem. He stated, “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” insisting that the responsibilities for these issues lie squarely on the shoulders of the authorities.
Naidu called for accountability and demanded that both organizations be stripped of their budgets until they can demonstrate a commitment to effective flood mitigation and proper infrastructure maintenance. He warned that continued inaction poses a serious threat to the safety and prosperity of the nation, emphasizing the urgency for immediate reforms.
In the wake of these harsh criticisms, it is hopeful that this situation may serve as a catalyst for the authorities to review and improve their flood preparedness strategies and infrastructure upkeep. By addressing these issues, there is potential not only for enhancing community resilience against future flooding but also for rebuilding trust between the government and businesses in Sigatoka.
This situation highlights the importance of proactive infrastructure management and the need for government entities to prioritize public safety and economic stability.
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