City and town councils yesterday welcomed new Government grants to improve drainage.

Yesterday they each signed a memorandum of agreement with the Ministry of Works for the disbursement of $1,323,798 for drainage maintenance in municipal council areas.

The chief executive officer for Lautoka City Council, Jone Nakauvadra, said it was a giant step in the right direction in dealing with flooding because of climate change. Lautoka received $40,000.

Lute Berends, the CEO for the Nasinu Town Council, which received the biggest grant of $476,000, echoed the same sentiments. He said it was a big step forward in addressing the effects of climate change.

The Permanent Secretary for Waterways, Yogesh Karan, said this was a significant beginning.

Minister for Waterways Mahendra Reddy said his office was receiving many drainage maintenance requests within the town or city boundaries. He said the Government was committed to addressing these issues.

“These grant funds are shared among the 11 town and city councils for maintenance of drainage activities as per submission from municipal councils and clearance by local government,” he said.

“The purpose of the grant is for maintenance and upgrading of municipal council drains.

“The municipal council must take action to improve its efficiency and effectiveness and must utilise the grant efficiently.”

Mr Reddy said no funds would be disbursed without the submission of proper acquittals.

“The ministry may, upon reasonable notice to a municipality, conduct site visits to review the quality of works and utilisation of a grant,” he said.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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