The Standing Committee on Social Affairs has urged the Rakiraki Town Council to prioritize the regular dredging of rivers to address flooding issues in the area. This recommendation is part of the Committee’s review of the Rakiraki Town Council Annual Report for 2019.
The Committee highlighted that the Council has already begun to extend the town boundary towards Tavua. Additionally, there is an ongoing proposal to develop a Satellite Town in Waimicia, Nalawa, Ra, with discussions involving stakeholders to help bring this project to fruition.
Flooding has been a persistent problem that significantly impacts the economy and the livelihoods of the residents of Ra. The Committee stressed the urgent need for consistent river dredging to reduce flooding risks in Rakiraki.
Furthermore, the Committee called on the Central Government to reconsider the provision of annual grants to smaller municipalities like Rakiraki to enhance their service delivery capabilities. They also urged the Ministry of Waterways to restore the annual grant necessary for maintaining drainage systems within the municipalities.