Residents of Navua thanked Government for the assistance rendered in ensuring that essential services such as Health, National Fire Authority and the Police remained constant during the height of Tropical Cyclone Evan.
For Lesuva Mai restaurant owner Chandra Prakash, the preparations before the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Evan by the Provincial Administrators office has not only saved costs but even the lives of Navua residents.
“The people of Navua were well prepared because Government had been assisting the community through the extensive dredging works undertaken during the year, especially in Naitonitoni and Naitata as well as the town area.”
“Most residents were told by the Provincial Administrators office of the nearest evacuation centers which was at Vashist Muni Primary and Navua Rampur Primary School, so many people knew where to go.”
Budget Supermarket Owner Jitendra Prasad says Navua had been without water and electricity since December 16th however it did not stop him from sharing power with the National Fire Authority team who were on shift work.
“The people of Navua were well prepared this time around because Government agencies had been working ahead of time especially in terms of the dredging along the Navua river which is really good and the amount of information that was generated to alert the public”.
“Two years ago, the flood was in town but this time around it’s good to see something different, business were informed by the relevant authorities of where to go to once the cyclone was approaching,” the father of three said.
Navua Provincial Administrator Vili Rakai says even though Navua had experienced strong winds and rain, this had damaged some crops and that the main concern for communities was the rise of the Navua river water level.
“We would like to thank the initiative that was undertaken by some of our advisory councilors likewise the Turaga ni Koro or village headman for supporting government,” he said.
So far no casualties or deaths have been reported for the Navua area.
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