The business community in Sigatoka has raised serious concerns regarding the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), accusing them of negligence following flash floods that left the town disrupted on Wednesday. Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented the affected businesses and residents, pointing to inadequate drainage and blocked waterways as significant contributors to the flooding crisis.
Naidu expressed deep concern for the devastating impact the floods have had on the community and the economy, stating, “The business community bears the brunt of this negligence. Our supply chains are disrupted, properties damaged, and customers frightened away. This is not just an inconvenience; it threatens the foundation of our economy.”
He attributed the flooding to a failure of the Ministry of Waterways and the FRA to fulfill their responsibilities, emphasizing a history of neglect and inaction. “Dredging projects are delayed, crucial infrastructure maintenance overlooked, and flood mitigation plans left untouched,” Naidu asserted, stressing that this is not merely an act of nature but a result of human error.
Naidu demanded accountability from both organizations, suggesting that they should be stripped of their budgets until they demonstrate a genuine commitment to effective flood mitigation and the maintenance of infrastructure. He warned that continued inaction poses a significant threat to both safety and prosperity in the region, insisting, “We cannot allow this to continue.”
This situation highlights the critical need for proactive measures and responsible governance to protect communities from such natural disasters. By addressing these issues, the authorities have an opportunity to restore public trust and enhance infrastructure resilience for the future.
In summary, the Sigatoka business community is calling for urgent action from governmental bodies to address flooding issues that have caused major disruptions, emphasizing the importance of accountability and effective infrastructure management.
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