WASTE spilt out of manholes at Naodamu’s Block 10 in Labasa yesterday, said Water Authority of Fiji technician Ron Koi.
He said the wastewater pump station in the area had reached peak capacity.
“It will continue pumping, but there will be no difference,” he said.
“All the water coming from the rain and the burst river has caused manholes to overflow.”
Mr Koi said persistent rainfall yesterday and the Naseakula River caused the manhole to fill up.
“There is not much we can do.
“The waste from the sewage will definitely be coming out of the manholes.”
As rain is expected to affect the North over the next two days, Mr Koi urged Naodamu tenants to be cautious.
“Children, in particular, should avoid playing or swimming in the floodwaters, which are now a serious health hazard.”
Residents remained trapped in a dangerous situation as heavy rain continued, and the community braced for worsening conditions.
Flood alert for Naodamu Block 10 residents
RESIDENTS of Naodamu’s Block 10 in Labasa remain on high alert as heavy rain threatens the Northern Division.
Yesterday, a few homes in the block were surrounded by floodwaters after the Naseakula River had burst its banks due to persistent rainfall.
While the compound area was inundated, floodwaters had yet to enter their homes.
Resident Setaita Wati said the community was always prepared for floods.
“Even if the weather says it will only rain on the weekend, we are ready,” she said.
“We are putting away clothes, beddings, and the children’s things.”
Ms Wati said they prepared early because evacuating was a difficult process.
“We would go to Holy Family or Labasa College. It’s far. It would be better to have an evacuation centre closer to us.”
She said flooding usually happened when heavy rain accompanied the high tide.
“I have two grandsons with me. “Their mums are at work, so I’m keeping them updated on what’s
happening. We will evacuate if it becomes necessary.”
Fellow resident Kuini Vosavakadua said Block 10 was always one of the first areas to be affected by flood.
“This is a big challenge for us,” she said.
Last year, during bad weather, Ms Vosavakadua said the Government only assisted those who went to the evacuation centre.
She hopes that this time, some assistance will reach them.
