Drainage works in Nasivi River in Tavua will be a massive exercise, says Minister of Waterways Mahendra Reddy.

The issue was brought to the Mr Reddy’s attention during a public consultation with Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama in Tavua Town yesterday.

Tavualevu villager, Peni Daletuicama said their village, which consisted of more than 500 people, was usually flooded during heavy rain.

For years, he said, they had been requesting officials to carry out drainage works in the river and other creeks beside their village.

“As you all know, our village is located near the town. All business people dump their garbage into these creeks and river so when it rains heavily all these rubbish will be flooded down into our village.

“For years, we have to clear out heavy debris from our doorstep after a flood. The river is getting shallow because of the rubbish that settled there and the water flow in creeks is getting slow,” Mr Daletuicama said.

In response, Mr Reddy reassured villagers of Tavualevu the drainage works in Nasivi River was one of their projects, but it was a massive and costly exercise.

“We will include this in our next budget and at the same time we will need to get external funds. This is really a massive work that needs to be done. At the moment there is a minimum flow of downstream so we will try to straighten the river so that the river can flow smoothly,” he said.

In response, Mr Daletuicama thanked Government for their plans in fixing drainage problems in Nasivi River.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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