The Ministry of Waterways, in an effort to safeguard farmland, households and infrastructure, carried out de-silting in Naria settlement, Ra that assisted 150 households in the area.
The completion of 1400m of creek de-silting works in the settlement by the Ministry of Waterways under the “Drainage and Flood Protection” program is part of its ongoing efforts to provide relief to Fijians living in flood prone areas.
According to the area advisory councillor, Mr Sanjeev Singh, the debris and silt in the creek had been causing damage to the farms, riverbanks, and infrastructures.
Mr Singh said the de-silting works have provided relief to the farmers where close to 12 farms and four households were affected by the flood.
“The de-silting works needed to be done and we acknowledge the Ministry of Waterways for attending to us on time,” he said.
“Before this, the creek was heavily silted and debris in the creek had been causing floods which has led to bank erosion along the creek,” he said.
Mr Singh said this has impacted the farming activity in the settlement as some farms along the river bank have started to erode.
“Not only that, but the infrastructure was also at risk. The community bus shelter which is by the creek was also about to be washed away. Our roads will now also be protected,” he said.
The Minister for Waterways, Environment, and Agriculture Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy said this de-silting work is intended to safeguard the Naria Community and protect their households and infrastructures from the flood.
Minister Reddy further added that this would also allow farmers and the communities to have clean and safe access to water for farming purposes either for irrigation or livestock farming.
He said the Ministry will continue to be vigilant in clearing the waterways so that it can discharge water to its full capacity and ensure that the adjacent infrastructure and communities are not affected by flash floods.