Riverbank protection works at Naviyago Village in Lautoka nears completion

The construction of the Riverbank Protection Works at Naviyago Village in Lautoka is progressing steadily, with 70 percent of the project now completed, as part of an initiative to protect the Naviyago/Vitogo riverbank from erosion and enhance the community’s resilience to flooding.

The riverbank protection works include laying geotextile material, placing boulders along the river edge, and carrying out grading and bench cutting as part of the revetment process.

So far, 175.16 metres of boulders and 180.12 metres of geotextile filter material have been installed in the upstream section.

Despite minor delays due to bad weather and machinery issues, the project remains on track to be completed within the contracted 180 calendar days, with just 21 days remaining.

Once completed, the riverbank protection works will help curb erosion, safeguard nearby farmland, and improve the safety and livelihoods of the Naviyago community.

After handing over a new tractor to the Thousand Investments Family Cooperative yesterday, the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, visited the project site.

He praised the ongoing work and reassured villagers of the Ministry’s continued commitment to developing climate-resilient infrastructure and safeguarding rural communities.