Environment impact consultant Epeli Nasome says there is a need to maintain drainage systems in residential areas to minimise flooding.
He said this while meeting with residents of Calia Back Road, Navua, to discuss the pros and cons of a proposed new residential subdivision in the area. Held at Ro Matanitobua House, Navua, on Tuesday, the consultation was centred on what issues could affect the residents.
“I wanted to get information from the residents on what environmental issues there are so that it can be addressed in the Environmental Impact Assessment report,” he said.
“The EIA report will try to find some solutions and mitigating measures to address that before work starts.”
Mr Nasome said the biggest concern raised was the proper drainage of storm water.
“As we know Navua, after very heavy rain, there are always floods because the river is shallow because of sedimentation and siltation.
“On land, there are a lot of unclear drains. This causes many homes to be flooded.
“So for this subdivision, engineering plans must be drawn so that the right size of drains and the right size culverts should be installed so when rain falls, all the surface water will flow properly, ensuring that water will not collect on the land.”
He also said there was a need to maintain the drainage systems in residential areas to minimise flooding.
“The Waterways Ministry should maintain roadside drains. When the development will begin, water will be freely flow into the roadside drains.”
Calia resident Avnil Gir welcomed the development saying it would be good to have more houses in the community.
“The area being developed was a rice plantation before. There were mangrove and mango trees that were here. It would be nice to have houses and people fill this place,” he said
