Residents of Teidamu in Lautoka are expressing frustration over persistent flooding, which they attribute to blocked drains and inadequate drainage systems. Following heavy rainfall that impacted the Western Division, many homes in the area were inundated as a nearby culvert failed to manage the large volume of water and debris.
Chiranji Lal, a local resident, highlighted that the culvert is too small to accommodate the water flowing down from the Teidamu hills. He remarked, “For a couple of years now this has been happening, and it is because of this culvert.” His neighbor, Praneet Kishore, has experienced similar woes, stating that despite repeated appeals to authorities for assistance, no effective solutions have been implemented.
Mr. Kishore explained, “I had written letters and called several times, but nothing has been done. Now the bottom flat of my house has water in it, and some of the electrical appliances are damaged.” He noted that minor debris often blocks the area, exacerbating the flooding issue. “Every time it rains, there will be small branches and rubbish blocking this area, and when that happens, water comes into my yard,” he said.
With ongoing heavy rain since Friday, Mr. Kishore lamented that the water has now overflowed the culvert and reached the highway. He is earnestly calling on the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to address this ongoing problem, stressing that many homes are suffering as a result. “I am pleading to the authorities to please come and fix this problem because people’s homes are being affected by this,” he urged.
The situation underscores the crucial need for infrastructure improvements to manage flooding effectively, ensuring that residents can feel secure in their homes, particularly during heavy rainfalls.
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