Residents of Teidamu in Lautoka are expressing their frustration over recurring flooding incidents, which they attribute to blocked drains and inadequate drainage systems. Recent heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in the area, as a nearby culvert failed to handle the surge of water and debris from the Teidamu hills.
Chiranji Lal, a local resident, highlighted the inadequacy of the culvert, stating that it has been a persistent issue for several years. “For a couple of years now, this has been happening, and it is because of this culvert,” he noted.
Another resident, Praneet Kishore, whose home was affected by the recent floods, has been actively seeking assistance from the authorities. He reported that despite multiple letters and phone calls to local officials, no effective actions have been taken to address the situation. “Now the bottom flat of my house has water in it and some of the electrical appliances are damaged,” Mr. Kishore lamented. He emphasized that a solution to the culvert issue could prevent future flooding.
Kishore described the ongoing challenge of debris, such as small branches and rubbish, that frequently block the culvert, leading to water overflow into residential yards during rain events. With heavy rainfall since Friday pushing the water levels to crest over the culvert and onto the highway, he made a heartfelt plea for the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to intervene and resolve the drainage issues affecting many homes in the community.
The residents of Teidamu are hopeful that by bringing attention to this urgent matter, local authorities will take the necessary steps to improve the drainage infrastructure and protect their homes from potential flooding in the future.