Updated: 7:00am – Minister for Waterways Dr Mahendra Reddy says new settlements and developments around the country are currently using old drainage systems which is causing frequent flooding.
While delivering his ministerial statement, Dr. Reddy stated that due to the increasing population in urban areas in Fiji, new settlements including informal settlements have been built illegally, especially in flood-prone zones.
He says these areas do not have proper amenities including proper drainage and flood retention structures which further increases the impact of flooding.
He says many subdivisions or urban residential areas in Fiji face a lot of flooding because of poor drainage, undersized drains and blocked drains caused by debris or dumped rubbish.
Reddy says his Ministry will work with all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive master plan to minimize any negative effects of increased volume of water in our waterways.
While responding to Reddy’s statement, Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa says that the Ministry of Waterways was allocated $24.2 million in the last National Budget and the taxpayers from Tavua, Rakiraki, Nadi, Sigatoka, Ba and Labasa are disappointed with the inaction of the Ministry as they continue to get affected by frequent flooding.
NFP’s Parmod Chand says that frequent flooding around the country has been caused by the FijiFirst government’s neglect.
-Fiji Village
Featured image: Minister for Waterways Dr Mahendra Reddy
