Ministry of Agriculture has signed an agreement with the China Railway First Group for the first phase of the Sigatoka River Dredging Project which will commence this month.
According to a government statement, the dredging works which has significant economic benefits will improve drainage of agricultural land, increase the flood discharge capacity of the river system and reduce flood damage.
The China Railway First Group was previously contracted to carry out dredging works in the Rewa, Navua and Ba River.
The three‑year project will be implemented in three phases.
Ministry of Agriculture, Permanent Secretary, Jitendra Singh says the dredging works will have no significant negative environmental impact on the mudflats and reefs and does not pose any major threat to the survival of marine species in the river.
