Sigatoka’s water woes deepen as chamber urges emergency action and a modernisation plan
Water supply disruptions in Sigatoka Town are crippling businesses and forcing some operators to suspend operations, according to Suresh Naidu, president of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Naidu is urging authorities to treat the issue as an urgent emergency and to provide daily progress updates on restoration efforts.
“This disruption is not just an inconvenience,” Naidu said, stressing that it is crippling the local economy and eroding confidence in Sigatoka’s viability as a business hub. “Every day without resolution deepens losses for employers, employees, and families reliant on these enterprises.”
The chamber’s members have highlighted disruptions to core public services along the Coral Coast, with hospitality, agriculture, and retail sectors reporting significant losses as hygiene, facilities, and customer service are compromised. Leaders warn that livelihoods—particularly those of SMEs, market vendors, and tourism operators—are at risk, with some businesses forced to pause operations indefinitely. Public health implications are also a concern, given the lack of reliable water and its impact on sanitation for residents and visitors.
Naidu said the chamber is prepared to back coordinated efforts to resolve the crisis. He called for daily public updates from the Water Authority on restoration progress, emergency water distribution prioritised for high-impact commercial areas, and a comprehensive plan to modernise Sigatoka’s water infrastructure.
To date, questions directed to the Water Authority (WAF) have gone without response.
Context and outlook
The latest disruption adds to a broader narrative in Sigatoka where business leaders have repeatedly pressed for accountability and stronger infrastructure maintenance in the wake of flooding and related hazards. While this report focuses on water supply, Naidu’s statements align with long-standing calls for improved flood mitigation and water-management planning to safeguard the town’s economy and public health.
What to watch next
– WAF responses and how quickly restoration progress is shared with the public.
– Speed and scope of any coordinated, city-wide distribution plans for drinking and hygiene water.
– Timelines for a modernization plan that addresses long-term reliability of Sigatoka’s water system.
– Any fiscal or policy measures announced to support affected businesses, health protections, and tourism confidence.
Value and takeaway
Reliable water is foundational for hospitality, farming, and retail alike, and Sigatoka’s status as a tourism gateway on the Coral Coast increases the stakes. The chamber’s push for transparency, targeted emergency distribution, and infrastructure renewal reflects a strategic effort to stabilise the town’s economy, protect public health, and restore confidence among residents and visitors.
Summary
Sigatoka’s business community is pressing for urgent action on water supply disruptions, demanding daily restoration updates, prioritised distribution to high-impact areas, and a modernization plan to secure long-term reliability. The situation underscores the need for accountable water-management governance to protect both livelihoods and public health. A hopeful path forward lies in coordinated action, transparent reporting, and concrete investments in infrastructure that could bolster resilience for future disruptions.
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