Residents of Naqaliso Settlement in Davuilevu Housing are calling for immediate action from the authorities to clear blocked drains and restore effective drainage systems after severe flooding damaged several homes. This flooding crisis has occurred following the expansion of the Nasinu Cemetery, which has reportedly led to the obstruction of drainage in the area.
Currently, seven homes are affected by the flooding, which has been attributed to blocked drainage during the development efforts connected to the cemetery expansion managed by Fiji Corrections Services. Residents experienced rapid flooding, with water rushing into their low-lying homes within minutes, damaging furniture and electronic appliances as families scrambled to safety.
Akshay Atish, a resident of Naqaliso, shared his traumatic experience as the flooding event unfolded while he was at work. “The flooding happened very suddenly while I was at work. My family called me and said water was rushing into the house. Within minutes, the water level rose quickly and soaked our furniture and electrical items. We were not prepared for something like this,” Atish explained, emphasizing that this was the first incident of flooding in the three years they have lived in their home. He believes that a blocked culvert was the primary cause of the sudden inundation.
The situation has been further compounded by concerns raised by the community about the lack of responsiveness from engineers overseeing the expansion project. Ashwini Lata, the Settlement Committee President, expressed frustration regarding the ignored warnings. “We had warned the engineers and contractors not to block our drainage because we knew this would happen. But no proper action was taken. Now seven houses are affected, and families are suffering. We need the drainage fully restored and a permanent solution before more homes are put at risk,” Lata stated.
Naqaliso residents are urging authorities to take swift action to fully reopen the drainage system and support affected families. They stress that a long-term solution is vital to prevent further damage and protect their homes from future flooding disasters. While the current situation is dire, the community’s determination highlights their resilience, hoping for a brighter future where their concerns are adequately addressed.