War Time Culvert To Be Cleaned

The clearing of debris in a culvert believed to be constructed by American soldiers during World War 2 in Nakavu Village, Nadi will be fixed soon.

Minister for Waterways, Mahendra Reddy told Nakavu villagers that the scope of works will start next Wednesday.

The drains that run through the village were blocked with debris causing the village to flood during heavy rain.

Village headman, Ratu Nemia Vunimakadre said the drains that run through the culvert had been filled with debris for decades. “Ever since we were growing up in this village our forefathers used to tell us that the culvert was built by the American soldiers and it has been there since because their base was located in Namera, near our village.

“During WW2, American soldiers came to our village because their base was located in Namera. Since it was blocked with rubbish, it affects the village’s drainage system causing the village to flood during heavy rain,” he said.

The foundation of the culvert, Ratu Nemia said was still strong but what needs to be done was the clearing of debris to allow the stagnant water to flow.

“The durability of this construction just shows how it has survived natural disasters over the past decades,” he added.

Edited by Rosi Doviverata