Flooding will soon no longer be a problem for the sugar cane farming communities of Batinikama and Namoli in Labasa.
Today, Minster for Waterways Dr Mahendra Reddy commissioned the Batinikama-Namoli Flood Mitigation programme.
The programme involves the cleaning and disposal of debris and dead tree trunks in the lower reaches of the Qawa River and the desilting of around 11,000 meters of drains and natural creeks.
Batinikama Resident Mohammed Idris says the drainage problems in the area has never been addressed until now.
“It has been an ongoing problem just because the creeks were blocked and farmers don’t have the funds to clear or get rid of the blockages. That has created a lot of problems, throwing all the water from the creeks to the main roads and the low lying area.”
Batinikama and Namoli are situated approximately five kilometres from Labasa Town and next to the Qawa River, which influences most of the flooding that occurs.
The Batinikama- Namoli Flood Mitigation project costs $28,500 and will take 30 days to complete.
