Dredging works in the Rewa River is an initiative by Government to address poor land management issues on our coastlines says Primary Industries Minister, Joketani Cokanasiga.
In launching the project to be undertaken by the China Railway First Group Company Ltd, Mr Cokanasiga said “Dredging has been identified as one of the single, most effective way, to improve the flow of water in the river systems.
The project will involve dredging about 12 km of river channel and removing 1,200,000 cubic meters of soil.
“Soil removed as a result of this dredging exercise will be used for reclaim additional land for nearby village development and road upgrading in the area,” Mr Cokanasiga said.
The Roko Tui Rewa, Niko Nayacalevu expressed his appreciation to Government for this vital project.
“On behalf of the Rewa Province I would like to thank Government for this project which will be very beneficial to the people of the delta.
Flooding is indeed a big problem here because eighty percent of Rewa is watershed areas so there is only twenty percent of dry land.
This initiative will create more dry land for the people to farm and other economic activities which is being spearheaded by the current Government,” Nayacalevu said.
The contract will cost Government $8.9 million and is expected to complete by next year.