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Report on Nadi River Project to be completed next month

September 11, 2019 4:50 pm

One of the study reports on the Nadi River Project will be completed by next month according to the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Speaking at the Nadi River Flood Alleviation Project’s Workshop 1 today, Sayed-Khaiyum says Fiji and Japan have also collaborated on a comprehensive flood control master-plan for Nadi.

“The funding for that which is important for the local residents to know is that we have had a lot of interest. The Japanese Government has graciously suggested that part of the work be done by a way of grant in particular section A but also we have the component of section B which is the most expensive part where the funding will come through by a way of loan by JICA or even ADB.”

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The project is critical since Nadi is the gateway to Fiji and for many years the town and surrounding areas have flooded during periods of heavy rain.

The Attorney General has also urged stakeholders present to ensure the project begins at its earliest as it is critical for Nadi.

“There are certain legacy issues we have to deal with, there are certain drainage systems through Nadi town that through corruption those drainage systems were actually narrowed, buildings were allowed to be built on those drains back in the 90s and early 2000s.”

The Project is estimated to cost about $400 million and is essential to improve the management of flooding and natural disasters in Nadi, Fiji’s important hub for tourism.