Following the completion of the Ba River dredging, thousands of people will face less disruption as the project aims to reduce flood risks and protect township of Ba and surrounding communities from heavy rain and floods.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu says the dredging works have increased the river’s water discharge capacity, enabling it to release high volumes of water into the South Pacific Ocean more efficiently during heavy rain and cyclone season.
Rayalu says the project exemplifies the government's evidence-based approach to disaster risk reduction and serves as a cornerstone of the National Flood Management Strategy.
The Minister says the Ba River catchment has endured devastating floods for generations.
Major flood events in 1931, 1956, 1975, 1983, 1993, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2019, and 2020 have repeatedly devastated communities, with the 2009 floods alone claiming 11 lives and affecting over 100,000 people.
He says there is also increased protection of agricultural lands, businesses, and infrastructure, ensuring continuity of livelihoods and reducing disaster response costs.
The Minister says there will be improved river health, water quality, and restored navigational access for fishing communities as well as enhanced safety, reduced health risks, and restored confidence for long-term settlement and investment.
Hall Contracting CEO and Director, Cameron Hall says the dredging and marine infrastructure company had removed more than 300,000m of silt, sand and gravel from a 3.6km stretch of waterway extending offshore from the mouth of the Ba River.
Hall says further dredging campaigns will be required to maintain the improved discharge capacity and address natural sediment build-up in the river over time.
The Ba River flood mitigation works were completed in May.
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