Govt aid reaches Davuilevu flood victims

Eight families whose homes were inundated by floodwaters at Naqiliso Settlement in Davuilevu, Nakasi, received government assistance today, nearly a week after rising waters swept through the area.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu visited the settlement this morning and handed over non-food relief items, including tarpaulins, kitchen sets, sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lanterns and water containers.

Resident Akshay Prasad, who has lived in the settlement for three years, said his house was completely destroyed.

"My house was fully affected. I lost everything," Mr Prasad said, adding that electrical items, food supplies and household belongings were all ruined.

He lives with his father, wife and two-year-old son.

"We thank the government for helping us," Mr Prasad said.

Long-time resident Narayan Sami, who has lived in the area for 25 years, said about eight or nine homes were affected, with three severely damaged, losing fridges, beds and electrical appliances.

"We are so happy that they have come here," Mr Sami said.

The flooding occurred last Friday following heavy rain, with waters receding within three days.

At the centre of the issue is a drainage dispute involving the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS). Residents claim nearby cemetery expansion works blocked a stream that previously carried water away from the settlement.

The FCS has denied the allegation, stating the flooding was caused by residents’ wastewater discharge and illegal dumping of rubbish that blocked the drain.

Minister Bulitavu said the Government would liaise with the FCS to find a solution. He added that the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) was already working to expand the drain in the area.

"We've assured them," he said, noting that residents had also raised concerns about possible relocation, which would require further discussions with relevant authorities.

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