Nadi riverbank project to protect farms, homes: PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says a riverbank protection project for the Nadi River will help shield farms, homes and rural livelihoods from erosion and flooding.

Mr Rabuka raised his sentiments during the Star Farmer Awards at the British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji Leaf Division in Votualevu, Nadi, yesterday.

The initiative will provide critical protection for communities living along vulnerable sections of the river.

“The Nadi River bank protection programme will help many of our farmers,” Mr Rabuka said.

Some families were already seeing their properties threatened by riverbank erosion, underscoring the urgency of the works.

“This is about protecting livelihoods and ensuring long-term sustainability for our rural communities,” he said.

“The project formed part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity and build climate resilience in farming areas.

“Modern agriculture must be supported by strong infrastructure. Protection works like this are not optional. They are necessary.”

Safeguarding farmland will protect incomes and strengthen national food security.

“Government remains committed to creating an environment where farmers and investors can flourish,” he said.

Despite the optimistic assurances, some stakeholders said broader flood mitigation efforts in Nadi remain stalled.

The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has previously raised concerns over delays to the $400million Nadi Flood Alleviation Project, despite funding support from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Chamber president Lawrence Kumar said there had been no visible progress on the ground while businesses and residents continued to face repeated flooding.