A draining project to address the flooding problem in Nadi Town was launched earlier this week by Minister for Local Government, Colonel Samuela Saumatua.
Col. Saumatua said the project was in response to a request by the Nadi Town Council to deal with the faulty drainage that had been a curse for long.
"Not only does it cause floods as a result of cyclones but it also causes flash floods during exceptionally heavy rain.
"The township feels that the business community and ratepayers have tolerated this long enough and that it is time for action.
"The ministry could not agree more and has been on the forefront of efforts to find funding not only from within but from other source also."
Col. Saumatua said while the project might not protect Nadi Town from flooding all together, it would reduce the possibility of flooding considerably.
"The heavy rains increased capacity will slow down its impact considerably thus allowing ratepayers and the business community enough time to take precautionary measures to safeguard their business and ensure the safety of their staff."
He said the $335,000 project was sourced out of a partnership between the ministry, Nadi Town Council and the Fiji Roads Authority.