After a 24-year wait, dredging brings hope to rural group
Nikotimo Naucusou was 32 years old when his village elders of Waicoka, Tailevu, requested the then Government to dredge the nearby Waidamu River in Tailevu.
Mr Naucusou said way back then in 1985, they had seen the impact of rising sea level and the threat it posed for them in the future. Now 56, Mr Naucusou said their prayers had been answered.
“It has taken a long time, in fact 24 years and five governments to get here. Now the dredging that we dreamed and prayed about is here. Thanks to Minister (for Waterways and Environment) Mahendra Reddy and the Bainimarama Government for making it happen,” he said.
Mr Reddy yesterday commissioned the start of dredging which will deepen the river and allow water to flow in and out to the sea freely.
It will also prevent seawater from seeping into prime arable agricultural land and protect lives, homes, properties and roads during high tide.
Waicoka is one of several villages and settlements affected by Waidamu River. Mr Naucusou said their agricultural production which supplemented their fishing income, had dropped significantly over the years. He hoped that the dredging would help revitalise it.
Mr Reddy reiterated the Government was committed to providing a safe and productive environment for all communities.
“We seek to build your resilience to protect your families, your livestock, and your properties,” he said.
“We will do this through carefully addressing issues pertaining to waterways, through increasing the conveyance capacity and releasing the free flow of water.