Fiji Sun

‘Huge amount of rubbish was among the associated factors that are causing major floods in the areas’ 

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging communities affected by the recent floods to start cleaning up their surroundings.

He made the comments while visiting those affected by floods in Nadi yesterday following his visits to Rakiraki, Tavua and Ba on Thursday.

Mr Bainimarama said people must not wait around but must do the right thing.

The Prime Minister visited the flood-prone areas in the Nadi peri-urban areas such as Nawajikuma, Nawaka Levu and Nadi Back Road.

Mr Bainimarama said the huge amount of rubbish was among the associated factors that are causing major floods in the areas.

He said, “We have to clean up and we have to clear that as soon as possible.

“We need the environment to be clean; communities should get together and stop throwing rubbish here and there as this will block drainage.”

He also indicated that improving drainage strategically is the Government’s responsibility which would begin with consultation from relevant authorities.

“We won’t be able to move people from here to somewhere else since they have bought land here but there is need to talk to communities living here to clear their rubbish. If they cannot then they should be fined.”

Advisory councillor Roop Narayan said there are over 1500 people living in the area of Nawejikuma.

“After the directive of the Prime Minister something tough will need to be done to keep our livelihood clean,” Mr Narayan said.

The Prime Minister also stressed the clean-up campaign to the 416 evacuees residing at the Andrews Primary School.

School president Abdul Sattar said: “Our school has been always opened as a evacuation centre and people from nearby settlements to take shelter.”

He thanked the Prime Minister for promoting clean-up campaigns in the nearby settlements.

Mr Sattar added there will need to be spraying of mosquito chemicals too.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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