Flooded roads frustrate residents of Tovata in Labasa

Residents of Tovata Korowiri in Labasa are calling on the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to upgrade their flood-prone road, which often becomes impassable during heavy rain.

The Tovata Korowiri Road, which serves as the main access route to Labasa Town, has seen vehicles stranded and residents cut off after downpours.

An affected resident, Ravindra Kumar, said he had experienced many flood situations where the road was submerged for days due to poor drainage.

Mr Kumar, a market vendor, said the road is his main access to Labasa Town and the market where he sells his produce.

“Whenever there is a heavy downpour, the road gets submerged, making it difficult to access the main highway to Labasa Town, which affects my ability to earn an income,” he said.

He has requested that proper drains be constructed and maintained to allow water to be channeled away, ensuring the road remains passable.

This masthead has previously reported incidents where a taxi got stuck in floodwaters and a tractor had to be pulled out by several men during heavy rain.

Another resident, Dhanesh Prasad, echoed similar sentiments and said children were the most affected when the road became flooded.

Mr Prasad said that if the road upgrades went ahead, they would greatly improve accessibility for many farmers in the area, as well as for children and the elderly.

With the cyclone season now active from November to April, heavy rain and possible cyclones are expected across Fiji.

Labasa Taxi Association general secretary, Sujit Sharma, cautioned fellow drivers to avoid driving through floodwaters, which could put their lives at risk.

“During heavy rainfall, we drivers know which areas in Labasa are prone to flooding and remain under constant risk,” Mr Sharma said.

The FRA has carried out some road-raising efforts and drainage works. However, since the road remains unsealed, residents are calling for it to be tar-sealed and elevated to prevent future flooding.

In an email response, the FRA stated that plans are in place to raise a 300-metre section of the Korowiri Tovata Road by half a metre. This is intended to allow safe access for motorists and pedestrians before metalling works begin.

"Again, it’s a flood prone area and full drainage board improvement is required from Wasavulu towards Nasekula and even towards the sea," a FRA statement read. 

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