Emergency desilting for 61 creeks
A TOTAL of 61 creeks require emergency desilting in the country, says Minister for Waterways Dr Mahendra Reddy.
He said the waterways needing attention included 15 in the Central Division, 30 in the West and 16 in the North.
“Of above-identified creeks, most are being filled up with sediments and silt including gravel and requires removal of this silt and gravel to restore the conveyance capacity of these creeks to its original state, so that during times of heavy rainfall, excessive run-off is quickly discharged,” he said.
“The situation is dire and sediment-laden creeks pose an immediate risk to health, life and property of communities living in its vicinity.”
Dr Reddy said more than 55,900 people would benefit from a desilting project that would be undertaken soon.
“We aim to get flooding issues associated with clogged waterways sorted. We have had success at creek desilting works at Nakauvadra creek where we were able to significantly reduce the flooding in the Rakiraki Town, and anticipate after the works have been carried at the above sites, the local communities will be safe.”