The Ministry of Waterways and Environment will be carrying out dredging or desilting works in 35 rivers.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Waterways Dr. Mahendra Reddy who says that due to unsustainable land management practices, together with climatic conditions, most of the rivers in Fiji are heavily silted and often have debris restricting the discharge of water.
Dr Reddy says that the 35 rivers include the Penang River, Nasivi River, Nadi River, Sabeto River, Vitogo River, Cuvu River, Tuva River, Deuba River, Waidamu River, Bua River, Bucaisau River, Wai-kalou River, Qele-qawa River, Naka-drudru River, Korovatu Floodgate Waterway Channel, Barotu River, Nabuna River, Namosau Creek and Elevuka River.
He says that other rivers include Qaraniki River, Lami River, Semo River, Namatakula River, Navutulevu River, Korotogo River, Navolau River, Naraviravi River, Natawa Creek, Dama Creek, Vunitogoloa River, Vaidoko River, Tuvu Creek and the Dreketi Floodgate Waterway Channel.
Dr Reddy says that this siltation of river affects the ability to discharge flood waters during heavy rains, often causing flooding.
He says that the works on some sites which requires desilting works will begin from January while those which require dredging works could begin by April next year.
Dr Reddy says that these works are expected to be completed by end of 2019.
