A power pole collapsed in Matawalu Village around 9:30 AM on Thursday during low tide, narrowly missing several houses as it crashed down, severing aluminum power lines. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though locals expressed relief that the incident did not result in tragedy.
A resident, speaking anonymously, revealed that the village had previously alerted the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) about the precarious positioning of the pole near the riverbank. Residents feared that the ongoing erosion caused by river flooding would eventually destabilize the pole. Sadly, their concerns were validated when the soil at the base of the pole gave way.
In addition to the downed pole, there were cracks developing in the soil along the access to local farms, raising alarms about potential further erosion. Kalaboso Biautubu, the assistant village head, contacted EFL as soon as the incident occurred. He noted the villagers’ apprehension about high tide later that day potentially leading to floodwaters entering the village.
In response to the threat of flooding, several young men quickly gathered to clear debris blocking the tramline bridge, a proactive measure to prevent water accumulation that previously caused flooding by forcing water into the village during high tides.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of soil erosion affecting many waterways in the region, exacerbated by accumulated silt from longstanding sugarcane farming practices. Thankfully, as the tide receded, the area under the tramline bridge was cleared, allowing water to flow more freely and alleviating immediate flood concerns.
Matawalu Village, situated in Lautoka’s Drasa Flats—an area known for sugar cane cultivation—faces continuous risks from tidal cycles, particularly during heavy rainfall. The events of the day underscored the urgent need for addressing soil erosion and improving infrastructure resilience in these vulnerable regions.
Efforts by residents to mitigate these risks demonstrate community resilience and the proactive steps they are taking to safeguard their homes and livelihoods. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing dialogue with local authorities to address structural safety concerns effectively.
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