RESIDENTS of Malakua Rd in Qeleloa, Nadi, say they are frustrated by the ongoing drainage issues that cause flooding in the area during heavy downpours.
Pastor Meli Tukana of the Yarawa Circuit Wesley Division church said the community faced these challenges for years, with even a small amount of continuous rain causing the road to become impassable for small vehicles.
“This is the main road to the temple and then you have the train that comes towards this community,” he said.
Mr Tukana said only three tonne trucks or twin cabs could navigate the stretch during these periods.
“If it’s more than three hours of rain, the area is affected; eight hours is worse, the vehicles can’t go through.”
According to Mr Tukana, the geography of the area contributes to the problem, as the Vuniyasi River surrounds the community and floodwaters often meet at the first Qeleloa bridge behind the temple.
He cited poor drainage by developers and the impact of heavy logging trucks as major contributors to the road’s deteriorating condition.
“There’s poor drainage because of the developers plus the people that have big trucks. Especially the big trucks — they contribute to the conditions of road,” he said.
Mr Tukana said while the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) had performed work in the area, the repairs did not last.
The infrastructure issues extend to nearby crossings, with Mr Tukana noting the Tunalia Bridge had collapsed and a second bridge heading to Malolo had remained unrepaired for two years.
“If they would have fixed that one, it would have eased the traffic jam. People from this side, they just have to walk from there. It’s easier for them to go through.”
The flooding also impacts local livelihoods. Mr Tukana, who manages a six-acre farm of orchids and watermelons, said river flooding frequently drenches his crops.
He highlighted the struggle of sugarcane truck drivers during the harvesting season.
“When it rains,the drivers need a tractor to pull the seven tonne truck. It’s a pity to see the drivers suffer on the cane farms because they have to hire tractors to pull the trucks so they lose a lot.”
As school prepares to start, the community is concerned for students who must leave home as early as 5am to catch the bus.
“We have buses ,so the children have to leave on time to catch the 6.30 bus in the morning.”
For those without vehicles, the commute often involves long walks.
Mr Tukana suggested that dredging and expanding the river could be a potential solution to address the chronic flooding.
The Fiji Roads Authority sought time to respond to questions sent.
