Human activities are threatening our rivers and waterways: Reddy

We must all rise up as a nation and protect our rivers and waterways for our sustainable livelihood.

These were the sentiments shared by the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy while officiating at the International Rivers Day celebration at Naiveiveiwali Village in Tailevu.

“Our lifestyle has twirled itself around our waterways for generations here in Fiji. With such a significant role played by rivers in our lives, the preeminence of rivers can never be ignored. Our Waterways are a cardinal part of our lives and a primary source for the growth of agriculture,” Mr Reddy said.

“It is not only climate change that is affecting us, but it is also our own conduct that contributes towards the depletion of our natural resources, our environment and our waterways.

“As alluded to a moment ago, in Fiji, most communities are situated along the rivers banks and waterways, therefore, it is most important not only for those living along these areas but also those living in the urban centres and are travelling frequently and extracting resources, take note that our rivers are being threatened by our own activities, and this also includes industrial and agricultural activities.

“If you look at Sigatoka River Valley area, on an average we are losing about 10 metres each year because of river bank erosion. This is the rate at which we are losing arable fertile land from an area which was proudly termed as the “salad bowl” of Fiji. If we don’t act now, we will continue to lose fertile arable land, thus moving up stream,” Mr Reddy revealed.

“The Ministry of Waterways and

If you look at Sigatoka River Valley area, on an average we are losing about 10 metres each year because of river bank erosion. This is the rate at which we are losing arable fertile land from an area which was proudly termed as the “salad bowl” of Fiji. If we don’t act now, we will continue to lose fertile arable land, thus moving up stream. Mahendra Reddy Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment

Environment is working with the communities to ensure that we not just safeguard our river systems, but also enrich them with life – increasing livelihood options for all Fijians.

As part of the International Rivers Day 2020, the Ministry of Waterways and Environment in collaboration with the Naiveiveiwali villagers planted Vetiver grass along the banks and released more than 6,000 Tilapia fish into the Wainibuka River.

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