The business community in Sigatoka has voiced strong concerns following recent flash floods that devastated the town, accusing the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) of negligence. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, articulated the distress shared by local businesses and residents, citing poor drainage systems and blocked waterways as the main factors behind the flooding.

Naidu expressed that the repercussions of the flooding extend beyond mere inconveniences, threatening the very foundation of the local economy. He stated, “We are deeply concerned about the devastating floods that have affected our nation. The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.”

In his remarks, Naidu held the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA accountable for failing to manage their responsibilities effectively. He pointed out a troubling pattern of neglect, noting that important dredging projects have encountered delays, essential infrastructure maintenance has been overlooked, and flood mitigation plans have languished unaddressed. “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” he asserted.

Naidu’s demands are clear: he called for both organizations to be stripped of their budgets until they demonstrate a genuine commitment to effective flood mitigation and infrastructure maintenance. He warned that continued inaction would pose a serious threat to national safety and prosperity, indicating an urgent need for immediate corrective measures.

This situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proactive infrastructure management in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. The hope is that the heightened scrutiny faced by these government bodies may prompt necessary reforms, leading to a more resilient approach to flood preparedness in the future. 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.

In summary, the Sigatoka business community is demanding urgent action from the government to tackle the flooding challenges that threaten both public safety and the local economy, underscoring the importance of accountability and effective infrastructure management.