Rural and Maritime Development Minister Sakiasi Ditoka has been told of the alleged illegal extraction of sand from Navakacoa in Taveuni.

And as a result, Dala advisory council member Hari Chand said the Government was reluctant to give out contracts for the clearance of culverts.

“Last time, when a contract was given to a company to clear the sand, there was something else happening there,” Mr Chand said.

“So, I think the authority is reluctant to give contracts to companies now. Instead of clearing, they were illegally extracting sand.”

Mr Chand, while meeting with Mr Ditoka, said sand would block the mouth of the culvert and, at times, cause flooding.

“The river beside the village goes directly to the sea. When there’s a high tide, the sea pushes the sand into the river, causing the blockage of the culvert.

“It covers the mouth, not allowing the river to flow properly.

“At times, the river would smell due to dead animals and rubbish thrown into it by the villagers.”

In response, Mr Ditoka said he would raise the issue with the line minister.