Families residing along the Nasivi River in Tavua are set to benefit from enhanced safety, thanks to an upcoming major embankment project expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026. This initiative aims to stabilize precarious riverbanks and safeguard nearby communities from the persistent threat of flooding.
The announcement was made by Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya during a town hall meeting organized by the Fijian Media Association, where she represented the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways. Tabuya noted that an emergency clearing operation for the Tagitagi Creek, which was carried out to mitigate localized flooding and protect homes, was successfully completed in mid-2025.
Tabuya reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing community resilience through critical infrastructure investments that shield both lives and livelihoods from the adverse effects of flooding and riverbank erosion. This project aligns with broader national efforts to improve drainage systems and flood protection measures across the country, including substantial investments totaling approximately $17 million allocated for various community-based drainage projects initiated in 2024.
Similar initiatives underway in various regions of Fiji, such as the ongoing dredging operations in the Ba River, also highlight the government’s proactive approach in disaster risk management. These complementary projects are designed to boost infrastructure resilience, facilitate rural development, and protect local economies from extreme weather events intensified by climate change.
As Fiji continues to face climate-related challenges, the commitment to projects that not only address immediate safety concerns but also promote sustainable development reinforces hope for a more secure and resilient future for its communities. This spirit of collaboration between the government and local communities exemplifies a constructive path forward, providing reassurance that the central government is actively working to improve environmental safeguards and enhance the quality of life for its residents.