Families in parts of Nadi are still grappling with the flooding over the past few days, with some homes remaining waterlogged due to ongoing drainage issues.
Shayal Shital Prasad, a resident of Nawaka Tramline, says her home is still flooded, highlighting what she describes as a long-standing problem of inadequate drainage in the area.
Prasad says residents have been facing similar issues for years, with poor drainage causing water to accumulate during periods of heavy rain.
Arvin Sharma of Kerebula Settlement has raised similar concerns, stating that several homes in his community are flooded due to blocked drains linked to the Nadi back road highway.
Sharma says the water rose quickly, leaving families with little time to vacate their homes.
Community members stepped in to help affected households move their belongings to safer areas.
Arvin - Drainage issue March 4th
Sharma claims that no government officials have visited the affected areas so far, despite residents sharing photos and videos of the flooding and raising concerns on social media.
Sharma and Prasad are now calling on authorities to carry out major drainage works at least two to three months before the rainy season each year.
They believe proactive maintenance of drainage systems in low-lying areas would significantly reduce the risk of future flooding.
We have contacted the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.
They are yet to respond.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations