Drainage works will soon begin at the village of Vitogo in Lautoka as flooding continues to be an issue.

Vitogo Village Headman, Ratu Napolioni Waqa said the issue of flooding was always of great concern for the villagers.

Mr Waqa said heavy rainfall would cause soil erosion, where mud and silt would affect the Vitogo Village and Naviyago Village. Last week, the Minister for Waterways, Environment and Agriculture, Mahendra Reddy officiated at the de-silting project at Vitogo Village.

“It’s both an advantage and disadvantage for us,” said Mr Waqa,.

“The only thing the Government can focus on for us is drainage at both the Vitogo and Naviyago rivers.

“When there is heavy rain the villagers complain that their homes are flooded.”

He said despite this, the villagers were also overwhelmed that the dredging of the river was soon to begin.

Digmach Civil and Building Contractors Ltd managing director, Prabha Karan said his team showed interest in agreeing to do drainage works for free at the village vicinity.

“We are here to help the communities around us, we also have worked with Matawalu Village,” said Mr Karan.

“Once weather permits we will be able to do the work.”

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