The Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has voiced its deep frustration over the severe flash flooding that struck Sigatoka Town recently, once again disrupting business operations. Following hours of heavy rainfall, significant commercial areas were overwhelmed, leading to early closures of shops to safeguard staff and customers.
Suresh Naidu, President of NNCCI, highlighted that the persistent flooding reveals fundamental flaws in infrastructure upkeep and urban planning. He remarked, “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 calling on the Ministry of Public Works, the Fiji Roads Authority, and the Sigatoka Town Council to prioritise an urgent and thorough audit of the drainage systems to identify and eliminate blockages caused by accumulated silt and debris. They are advocating for long-term upgrades to the infrastructure, which includes modernising culverts and waterways currently unable to handle existing rainfall levels, rather than relying solely on temporary measures.
Additionally, the NNCCI stresses the necessity for improved accountability and coordination through a dedicated task force between the Fiji Roads Authority and the Town Council, ensuring that maintenance schedules are adhered to, particularly during the cyclone and rainy seasons. The Chamber notes that repeated business interruptions lead to significant financial repercussions for both small enterprises and larger retailers, impacting the livelihoods of many workers in the Nadroga-Navosa region.
Prepared to collaborate with relevant authorities, the NNCCI aims to pursue sustainable strategies that will protect the town’s economic stability, its businesses, and the broader community from the adverse effects of such natural disasters. Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, there is a shared hope among businesses for a proactive approach to prevent future incidents and ensure sustainable growth.