Kinoya Told: Ministry Looking Into Drainage Woes, Threats Posed By Flooding
Government is committed to address drainage issues faced by members of the public in their respective communities.
This includes the maintenance of drainage systems and management of waterways in Fiji, including creeks, tributaries and rivers.
During public consultations at Kinoya outside Suva on Wesdnesday, the Minister for Waterways Dr Mahendra Reddy said the Ministry of Waterways was established by the Government to address the growing threat that flooding posed to Fijian communities.
“A threat that is projected to worsen due to the effects of climate change,” Minister Reddy said.
“We will look at any issues relating to our waterways and money is already allocated for the town council to fix any drainage issues after inspections.
“The work will start around October, November and December”. The public consultations by the Ministry of Waterways & Environment, Local Government and the Municipal Councils at the Indian Assembly of God church, Bauvudi Road, Kinoya.
In the 2018-2019 Budget, a provision of $3,809,710 was made to carry out drainage maintenance in municipalities around the country. “The grant funds will be shared among 13 town and city councils for the maintenance of drainage activities,” Minister Reddy said.
“This is the allocation Rakiraki $482,827.92; Nausori $180,000; Nasinu $450,000; Savusavu $150,000; Sigatoka $180,000; Levuka $100,000; Tavua $100,000; Ba $243,100; Nadi $309,710; Lautoka $450,000; Lami $340,072.08; Suva $500,000; Labasa $324,000.”
Kinoya AOG Church pastor Philip Madhan, said that the minister’s meeting with residents was a good opportunity for people to raise their concerns.
“This gives a very good platform for residents to speak out their issues and get their problems solved,” he said.
Retired worker, Raj Kapoor said it was a very good idea brought in by the Government.
“Many residents face issues regarding drainage and it is a good opportunity for people to report their problems,” he said.