Minister for Waterways Dr. Mahendra Reddy

The Waterways Ministry has adopted a new concept in an effort to stabilize and protect riverbanks from erosion.

As part of their Non-Structural Bank Protection Work next year, Minister for Waterways Dr. Mahendra Reddy says the community of Navicovatu in Wainibuka, Tailevu, will be engaged in planting 400 meters of Vetiva grass along the river bank.

Dr. Reddy says no machines will be used for this method and the community is expected to complete the planting in about five days.

_”This is the first 400 meters and next year we intend to do this for fifty kilometer .That’s our target for next year so if we can deliver the target for next year then every year we can raise the target and expand throughout Fiji”_

Dr. Reddy says the ministry will design how the Vetiva grass will be planted and members of the community will be trained to plant it, and get paid as well.