Thirty-three people were appointed to the Ministry of Agriculture’s drainage board at an event at the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) in Suva yesterday.
Agriculture and Waterways Minister Vatimi Rayalu said the board was removed by the previous government and the induction marked a new beginning.
He said the abolishment of the drainage board seven years ago caused concern among the farming community as it negatively impacted drainage, leading to flooding in many farming areas.
“The re-establishment of the board was a testament of the Coalition Government’s commitment to upholding the wellbeing of our farmers, preservation of our agricultural lands, water management and environment stewardship in Fiji,” Mr Rayalu said.
“Your commitment, expertise and unwavering dedication will be instrumental in shaping the future of our drainage infrastructure and ensuring that it remains resilient and adaptive to the ever-changing environmental challenges in today’s era.”
Mr Rayalu said the board was tasked with overseeing the functioning of the country’s main drainage systems and infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of flooding in the Central, Western and Northern Divisions.
The board consists of agriculture officers, farmers, and members of the previous board.
The chairpersons of the different divisions are; Central Semi Matalau, Northern Gyan Chand and Western Vinod Kumar.
Ministry of Waterways director, Marau Vuli said the members were chosen after submitting their expressions of interest and the final decision made by the minister.
He said the ministry would work closely with the board members on issues affecting the waterways in their respective communities and communicate on ways to address them.
