The Nadroga/Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urgently advocating for a drainage audit in Sigatoka Town following significant flooding that forced several businesses to close earlier this week. Chamber president Suresh Naidu voiced his concerns about the flooding issue, highlighting the necessity for immediate action.
Naidu requested that the Ministry of Public Works and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) conduct a thorough assessment of the town’s drainage system to detect and clear blockages caused by siltation and debris. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond temporary solutions, advocating for long-term upgrades of culverts and waterways to accommodate current rainfall patterns, which have been increasingly intense.
The chamber president also suggested the formation of a joint taskforce between the FRA and the Sigatoka Town Council. This taskforce would focus on ensuring that maintenance schedules are consistently upheld, particularly during the cyclone and rainy seasons. “We are the ‘Breadbasket of Fiji’ and a crucial part of the tourism sector. We cannot attract investment and growth if our main street turns into a river after heavy rain,” Naidu stated. He called for immediate and effective measures instead of mere promises or ineffective studies.
In response to the recent flooding, Sigatoka Town Council’s special administrator, Adish Naidu, explained that the surge was due to an unusually high volume of rainfall. He noted that the council is actively addressing resident concerns in collaboration with the relevant authorities.
Despite the urgency of the situation, inquiries sent to the FRA regarding the concerns raised by Mr. Naidu have yet to receive a response. This ongoing dialogue sheds light on the critical need for infrastructure improvements, and it is essential for local leaders to prioritize these actions to safeguard the community and economy.
Leave a comment