People of Nawaka expected to benefit from the desilting works at two retention dams along the Nawaka River

Efforts to safeguard the Nawaka community and Nadi Town from flooding has been boosted following the commissioning of desilting works at two retention dams along the Nawaka River.

A total of 1,000 meters of river desilting works will be undertaken by the Ministry of Waterways at the two dams under the Public-Private Partnership agreement with Selva Earth Works and Nagaga Trust. While commissioning the project, Minister for Waterways and Environment, Dr Mahendra Reddy says these desilting works would ease the water flow of the river and its adjacent creeks during heavy rain.

He says the government is committed to fostering community resilience, and they will do so by addressing concerns related to waterways, such as increasing the conveyance capacity and releasing the free flow of water.

Dr Reddy further acknowledged the private sector partners who had committed to conducting the desilting works under the agreement as it would enhance the economic activity in the vicinity through the provision of proper drainage services.

Mataqali Nagaga Trust member, Panapasa Nawai expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Waterways as the villagers livelihoods had been constantly and adversely affected by floodwaters.