A power pole collapsed in Matawalu Village on Thursday morning around 9:30 AM at low tide, falling directly between several homes and severing nearby aluminum power cables. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, which residents considered a fortunate outcome. A local woman, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that had the pole landed on a house, it could have been deadly.
Residents had previously raised concerns with the Electricity Fiji Limited (EFL) about the pole’s precarious position near the riverbank, where the river’s erosion had been undermining its foundation since significant flooding a few years ago. The inevitable incident occurred when the soil eroded enough to give way, resulting in the pole’s fall.
Additionally, there were observable cracks in the soil near access to nearby farms, indicating potential further erosion risks. Kalaboso Biautubu, an assistant village chief, reported that he alerted EFL immediately following the incident, as villagers anxiously anticipated that the high tide later that day could exacerbate flooding issues.
In past flooding events, debris accumulating beneath the tramline had previously diverted floodwaters towards the village. To address this, local youths gathered at the tramline bridge on Thursday to clear obstructive debris that could impede water flow during rising tides.
This event underscores the long-standing issue of soil erosion affecting waterways in the Western region, where increased silt from sugarcane farming has contributed to flooding during heavy rain. Fortunately, as the tide receded, it relieved some pressure beneath the tramline bridge, aiding water flow and minimizing blockage.
Matawalu, along Lautoka’s Drasa Flats, faces constant risks from tidal changes due to its low delta elevation, particularly during heavy rainfalls. Thursday’s incident serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for proactive community and governmental action to address infrastructure vulnerabilities and environmental safety.
It is hopeful that this incident will prompt immediate assessment and preventive measures by EFL and local authorities, ensuring the safety and welfare of village residents in the future.
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