Some 200 residents of Waicoka Village in Tailevu South had their prayers answered after the Minister for Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy and Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Hon. Ashneel Sudhakar commissioned the dredging of Waidamu river yesterday afternoon.
The village consisting of 40 households is situated on the bank of the river and is vulnerable to flooding during heavy downpour or even high tides.
Minister Reddy says the Fijian Government will leave no stones unturned to assist those affected by the impacts of climate change.
“A lot of communities in the country have been affected by the impacts of climate change and the Fijian Government is coming up with smart solutions to address this,” Minister Reddy said.
Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources also played a crucial role in getting this project started as it facilitated the necessary approvals for the works.
Lands and Mineral Resources Minister Hon. Ashneel Sudhakar says thorough consultations have been carried out in order to undertake this project.
“Dredging can play a key role in addressing the flood events in Waidamu,” Minister Sudhakar said.
“The Fijian Government will continue to find innovative solutions to such issues that will result in the betterment of the communities affected by the impacts of climate change,” Minister Sudhakar added.
The works on the 18 kilometer river is expected to start this month.