Small Culverts Cause Flooding in Village, Rakiraki Town
"The river that runs beside the town needs desilting or dredging. Some of drains cannot take the amount of rain in the morning. Those all contributed to the flooding," Mr Sawana said.
Friday 02 February 2024 | 09:40
The undersize culvert that causes silt build-up is being blamed for the continuous flooding in Rakiraki Town and Vunitogoloa Village.
Both places including some parts of Tavua were inundated with flood waters caused by the low-pressure system affecting Fiji.
Rakiraki Town Council chief executive officer Sailosi Sawana said the Qawa River was a major cause of flooding in the town.
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"The flood started around 9am when it was raining heavily," he said.
Some shops were open and a number of schools till midday.
Villagers are raising concerns as the under-sized culverts near the village cannot contain the water flowing from high ground.
"Just be careful of crossing the flooded waters," he said.
Vunitogoloa Village headman Josefa Manakiwai said the undersize culvert near the village could not contain the water flowing from high ground.
"About 10 houses in the village were under water. This flooding is worse, and during that time we experience this kind of situation," he said.
They've made a request to the local authorities to have a much bigger culvert.
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