Poor drainage proves costly for northerners

Poor drainage has been blamed for the flash floods that affected Labasa Town and surrounding areas on Friday after a few hours of rainfall.

The situation forced some business houses to close early as water entered shops, sending workers home at midday.

Labasa Chamber of Commerce president Satish Kumar said the Fiji Roads Authority should be blamed for the flash floods that took many by surprise.

“The river banks didn’t burst but fresh rain water from the drains flooded the shops in town,” he said.

“FRA knows very well that the rainy season is from November to April and they should get their contractors to clean the drains and keep it clear during this rainy season.

“Some business people had to act quickly to save their shop items from getting damaged by the flash floods.”

FRA has yet to comment on questions sent to regarding the claims. In Naodamu area, residents of Public Rental Board flats had tucked to safety their belongings. While waters flooded the compounds, tenants sat at the door praying that God would keep away the flood. Nanise Taukei who was visiting relatives at the PRB flats, said the situation caught them by surprise.

“We were doing our housework in the morning when it rained heavily and then we saw flood waters in the compound.

“Just happened so fast, so we started keeping our things away to safety.”