Flood‑hit Matawalu pleads drainage fix, evacuation centre

Repeated flooding and erosion continue to threaten a riverbank village in Lautoka, where residents say their earlier pleas for assistance have gone unanswered.

Matawalu villagers in the tikina of Nailaga in Ba are calling on the Government to build an evacuation centre and fix their drainage system after heavy rain triggered fresh flooding today.

Methodist Church steward Simione Tora said the village, which sits along the riverbank, had received no major assistance to protect homes and livelihoods.

“In the previous flooding, we asked the Government to fix our drainage system,” Mr Tora said.

“The other side of the village is facing severe soil erosion. We want the government to help us stop the erosion, which is very fast. We also need an evacuation centre, so there is a safe place for us to take refuge during disasters.”

He said during flooding, the only places villagers could seek safety were at the bus stop or along the roadside.

Flash flooding also affected parts of the Western Division, including Ba Town, Tavua Town near the Tavualevu Bridge, the Yaladro junction, and Rakiraki Town, disrupting businesses.