Drainage work expected to mitigate flooding in Drasa and Teidamu

The drainage works recently completed by the Ministry of Waterways is expected to mitigate flooding for the Drasa and Teidamu communities in Lautoka.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy says this drainage work will increase the water discharge capacity of the creeks and drains during the flood.

He says the Ministry of Waterways has been vigilant in protecting those communities who need urgent assistance and are at risk of flooding, particularly in the low-lying areas.

Dr Reddy adds the government is committed to building resilience amongst these communities and they will do this carefully by addressing issues pertaining to waterways, through increasing the conveyance capacity and releasing the free flow of water.

A farmer from Drasa Hemant Kumar says most of his crops have been washed away due to improper drainage and they acknowledge the work carried out by the Ministry of Waterways.

The 3,400 metres of de-silting works from the Drasa and Teidamu settlement included the removal of all debris, grass, shrubs, and vegetation to allow for unobstructed water flow.