About 450 farmers in Korovatu, Nagigi, Tabucola, Wailevu and Vunika on Vanua Levu are concerned that heavy rain and floods will affect their crops this cyclone season, says National Farmers Union general secretary Mahendra
Chaudhry.
The former prime minister called on the Waterways Ministry to address the issue by repairing floodgates and sea walls damaged by severe tropical cyclones Yasa and Ana.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways needs to urgently carry out the much-needed repair and maintenance
works on the sea walls and floodgates in the cane belt areas of Labasa,” he said.
“These flood protection structures sustained heavy damage from TC Yasa and Ana.
“We are into the cyclone season and urgent action is required to fix the sea walls and floodgates to prevent the cane crop from being destroyed through seawater intrusion.”
Mr Chaudhry said Government should take immediate steps to prevent a recurrence of what the farmers experienced last year.
“They have also pointed out that the rivers and waterways adjoining the farms in these areas have not been dredged in the last 10 years.”
Questions sent to Ministry of Waterways permanent secretary Joshua Wycliffe on the issue remain unanswered.
