Residents of Coqeloa happy with Ministry’s work on drain

Seventeen sugarcane farmers in Coqeloa outside Labasa Town need not worry about their farms being covered in flood waters again.

This is after the Ministry of Waterways cleaned out a four kilometre drain in the area yesterday.

Ram Sanai, 80, speaking on behalf of other farmers in his area, said the drain near their farms was narrow and anyone could walk through it.

“During heavy rain, the water from the nearby mountains would fill up the drain and then enter our farms,” said Mr Sanai, who has been farming since he was 18.

“I have been working on my 16-acre farm and I am only able to get 40 tonnes of cane.

“Through this proper drainage work, I believe I would be able to harvest 300 tonnes of cane this year.”

Shardha Wati, 63, wife of a sugarcane farmer said she was very thankful to the Ministry of Waterways.

“Through this well-organised drainage work, I need not worry about flood waters entering my house,” Mrs Wati said.

“We have been living in our three bedroom house for 20 years and during this period the flood waters entered the house and destroyed more than $1000 worth of household items.

“We are still struggling and recollecting household items again and again, which is not only costly, but heartbreaking.”

Subhash Chand, a sugarcane farmer, said nearby residents will also be able to live a peaceful life.

Ministry of Waterways senior agriculture officer Northern Gyan Chandra told the farmers that there is a plan to build one wooden crossing to facilitate their movements to and from their farms.

The cost of the drainage work and the crossing, he said, would be around $22,500.

Meanwhile, Minister of Waterways Mahendra Reddy said the ministry was established by Government to address the growing threat that flooding poses to Fijian communities, a threat that is projected to worsen due to the effects of climate change.

“The Ministry is responsible for the maintenance of drainage systems and the management of waterways in Fiji, including creeks, tributaries and rivers,” Mr Reddy said.

“The Ministry’s mandate covers urban and rural communities.

“In its work to improve storm water management, mitigate flooding and improve irrigation, the Ministry will incorporate aspects of hydrological forecasting, drainage surveillance and realignment, waterways dredging and river embankment management.”

He said the ministry will work to address the fundamental issues that are putting Fijian communities at risk by developing more effective flood management systems, introducing smart agricultural irrigation solutions, dredging waterways and developing modern drainage guidelines and regulations.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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