The business community in Sigatoka is expressing serious concerns over recent flash floods that struck the town, placing blame on the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for negligence. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, vocalized the frustrations of the affected residents and businesses, pointing to poor drainage systems and blocked waterways as the main culprits behind the flooding.

Naidu articulated the community’s distress, highlighting the negative repercussions for local businesses: “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away.” He cautioned that these challenges transcend mere inconvenience, threatening the foundation of the local economy.

Critically, Naidu accused both agencies of a history of neglect and inaction, mentioning that essential dredging projects have faced delays, vital infrastructure maintenance has been overlooked, and flood mitigation strategies remain unaddressed. He stated, “This is not an act of God; it is a consequence of human error,” indicating that the responsibility for the flooding lies with the authorities rather than natural causes.

In his call for accountability, Naidu demanded that the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA face budgetary restrictions until they demonstrate genuine commitment to improving flood mitigation efforts and maintaining infrastructure. He stressed that continued inaction poses significant risks to national safety and economic stability, urging immediate action to rectify the ongoing issues.

This recent situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical necessity for robust infrastructure management and proactive governance. The community remains hopeful that the scrutiny following these floods will lead to necessary reforms and improvements, ultimately enhancing flood preparedness and restoring public trust in government agencies. Addressing these community concerns could pave the way for a stronger, more resilient infrastructure, ultimately benefiting Sigatoka and ensuring greater safety for its residents.