The Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed strong concerns regarding the recent severe flash flooding in Sigatoka Town, which has once again disrupted local business activities. Following hours of heavy rain, key commercial areas became inundated, forcing many shops to close early to protect staff and customers.
Suresh Naidu, President of NNCCI, emphasized that the recurring flooding incident highlights significant deficiencies in the region’s infrastructure and urban planning. He stated, “The business community in Sigatoka is tired of bearing the brunt of negligence. This is not an isolated incident; it is a recurring nightmare that threatens the very foundation of our local economy. When our town floods after just a few hours of rain, it signals that the current drainage systems are either blocked, undersized, or entirely neglected.”
The Chamber is urging the Ministry of Public Works, the Fiji Roads Authority, and the Sigatoka Town Council to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation of the drainage systems to identify blockages caused by accumulated debris and silt. They advocate for long-term improvements in infrastructure, including the modernization of culverts and waterways that are currently inadequate for managing the existing rainfall levels, rather than relying on temporary fixes.
In addition, the NNCCI stresses the importance of enhanced accountability and coordination through a dedicated task force between the Fiji Roads Authority and the Town Council. This would ensure that maintenance schedules are consistently prioritized, especially during the cyclone and rainy seasons. The Chamber points out that repeated business interruptions significantly affect both small enterprises and larger retailers, impacting the livelihoods of many employees in the Nadroga-Navosa area.
Determined to collaborate with relevant authorities, the NNCCI is committed to pursuing sustainable solutions that will enhance the town’s economic resilience, protect local businesses, and shield the community from the adverse effects of future natural disasters. Despite the ongoing challenges from flooding, there remains a collective hope among businesses for a proactive strategy that can prevent similar occurrences and foster sustainable growth moving forward.