Residents in Teidamu, Lautoka, are voicing their concerns over persistent flooding, primarily caused by blocked drains and insufficient drainage systems. Following recent heavy rainfall, the area experienced significant damage, as a nearby culvert was unable to manage the influx of water and debris originating from the Teidamu hills.
Local resident Chiranji Lal expressed his frustration over the culvert’s long-standing inadequacy, stating that recurring flooding over the past few years can be directly linked to this issue. “For a couple of years now, this has been happening, and it is because of this culvert,” Lal remarked.
Another affected resident, Praneet Kishore, has been proactively seeking help from officials after his home suffered damage during the recent floods. Despite numerous letters and phone calls to local authorities, Kishore has seen little to no effective response. “Now the bottom flat of my house has water in it and some of the electrical appliances are damaged,” he shared, stressing that addressing the culvert’s problem could significantly mitigate future flooding risks.
Kishore highlighted that debris, including small branches and litter, often blocks the culvert, resulting in excessive water overflow into residents’ yards during rainstorms. With water levels rising since Friday, cresting over the culvert and spilling onto the highway, he has reached out to the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for urgent intervention to resolve the drainage challenges plaguing the community.
Despite the hardships, the residents of Teidamu remain optimistic that highlighting this critical issue will encourage local authorities to enhance the drainage infrastructure, ultimately safeguarding their homes from future flooding incidents. This collective sense of hope reflects the community’s resilience and determination to improve their living conditions.