The Ministry of Waterways says 8000 square metres of mangroves will be “scrubbed” during desilting works in the Nasivi River in Tavua to safeguard the town and its adjacent communities from flooding.
Minister for Waterways Dr Mahendra Reddy commissioned the works that will see 3km of the river desilted.
“A total of 3km of river desilting works with an area of 8000 square metres of mangroves is earmarked to be scrubbed to allow for the free flow of water out to the sea,” said the ministry.
“The government is committed to building resilience amongst our communities and we will do this carefully, addressing issues pertaining to waterways, through increasing the conveyance capacity and releasing the free flow of water,” said Dr Reddy.
The desilting works will be carried out 3km downstream of the river mouth from Tavua Town and will include the removal of debris and silted material from the river.
The ministry is spending $48,000 on the project.
