Residents of Naqaliso Settlement in Davuilevu Housing are urgently calling on local authorities to take immediate steps to clear blocked drains and restore efficient drainage systems following severe flooding that has damaged numerous homes. The flooding crisis is reportedly linked to the ongoing expansion of the Nasinu Cemetery, which has obstructed local drainage.
Currently, the flooding has affected seven homes, with the rapid influx of water during the development efforts, managed by Fiji Corrections Services, leading to significant damage. Residents saw water inundate their low-lying homes within a matter of minutes, resulting in damages to furniture and electronic appliances as families rushed to evacuate.
Akshay Atish, a resident of Naqaliso, recounted the traumatic experience as the flooding occurred 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 shared. This marked their first encounter with flooding in the three years they have resided in their home, with Atish attributing the sudden water surge to a blocked culvert.
Concerns have also arisen from the community regarding insufficient responsiveness from the engineers overseeing the cemetery expansion project. Ashwini Lata, President of the Settlement Committee, expressed her dismay over the unheeded warnings about potential drainage blockages. “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 a prompt response from the authorities to restore the drainage system and assist families impacted by the flooding. They emphasize the necessity of a long-term solution to prevent future damages and safeguard their homes from recurring flood disasters. While the current conditions are challenging, the community’s resolve underscores their resilience, instilling hope for a future where their needs and concerns are addressed effectively.