Residents of the Naqaliso Settlement in Davuilevu Housing are expressing strong concerns as heavy rainfall and a tropical depression loom, potentially exacerbating the flooding situation that has already affected their homes. Local families attribute the worsening conditions to blocked drainage systems caused by recent development work in the area, which has disrupted the natural water flow, particularly in low-lying regions.
Health risks, particularly leptospirosis and dengue fever, have become a prominent concern among residents. The community has reached out to the Ministry of Justice and the Fiji Corrections Services regarding the drainage issues, which have since been referred to the Ministry of Waterways and the Fiji Roads Authority for further examination.
Settlement Committee President Ashwini Lata emphasized that inadequate planning by contractors has led to this predicament. “This flooding is a direct result of poor planning. Children are unable to attend school because the roads and walkways are covered with water. Elderly residents are also struggling to move around or access health services. Our daily lives have been disrupted,” Lata stated.
The flooding has rendered schools inaccessible and makes it difficult for elderly residents to seek medical care. Lata warned that without immediate measures to restore the drainage systems, the community is likely to face repetitive flooding with each heavy rain.
Residents are urgently calling for restoration work on the drainage ahead of the impending tropical depression. Lata concluded, “We are very concerned about health risks associated with stagnant water, especially with another tropical depression on the way. We urge the government and the Ministry of Health to conduct a survey of the area immediately to prevent worsening conditions. Immediate action is essential.”
The collective voices of the community highlight a pressing need for intervention to safeguard the health and well-being of residents before the situation deteriorates further.