The business community in Sigatoka has raised urgent concerns about the significant flash floods that recently impacted the town, directing allegations of negligence towards the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA). According to Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, inadequate drainage and blocked waterways were major contributors to the flooding crisis that disrupted local commerce and everyday life.

Naidu articulated the profound distress experienced by businesses and residents, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He emphasized that these floods are not merely an inconvenience; they pose a serious threat to the very foundation of the local economy.

The leaders of the business community expressed frustration over what they perceive to be a pattern of neglect by both the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA. Naidu highlighted longstanding issues such as delayed dredging projects, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and ineffective flood mitigation strategies, insisting that these are not just acts of nature but failures directly resulting from poor management. “This is a consequence of human error,” he underscored.

In response to the situation, Naidu has called for accountability from the government agencies, demanding that their budgets be restricted until they demonstrate a genuine commitment to effective flood mitigation and infrastructure upkeep. He warned that ongoing inaction jeopardizes both safety and economic stability, stressing, “We cannot allow this to continue.”

This scenario acts as a crucial reminder of the importance of proactive infrastructure management and effective governance. There is hope that this collective outcry from the community will compel officials to take necessary action to enhance the region’s flood preparedness strategies. By addressing these pressing concerns, the authorities have the opportunity not only to improve safety and resilience against future floods but also to restore trust among the businesses and residents of Sigatoka, ultimately benefitting the entire community.

In summary, the Sigatoka business community is calling for swift action from government bodies following recent flooding, emphasizing the dire need for accountability and improved infrastructure management. By prioritizing these issues, there is potential for enhancing economic stability and community safety.