CONSTRUCTING dams along rivers in flood prone parts of the country is one of government's plans to reduce the impact of flooding and minimising damage to crops and infrastructure.
This was revealed by Primary Industries Minister Joketani Cokanasiga. Along with the establishment of dams, he said dredging of rivers had intensified as the country drew closer to the cyclone season.
"We are putting in retention dams along river banks as a measure to try and slow down the flow of water during periods of heavy rain.
"We have stages of river flow from the hills down the catchment and with each dam, it is hoped the flow of water will slow down by two hours.
"By the time it reaches the lower catchment area, hopefully it will be low tide and this will reduce the impact of flooding in areas like Ba and Nadi in the Western Division," he said.
Mr Cokanasiga said people need to be mindful that the dams would not completely stop flooding.
"These retention dams will not stop flooding.
"They will just give people more time to take precautionary measures, secure livestock, secure their belongings and seek shelter," he said.