BA town’s flooding woes could be a thing of the past with the completion of dredging works along the Ba River.
The project was completed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, marking a significant milestone for the town that has been impacted by flooding for many years.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Vatimi Rayalu said the project exemplified government’s evidence-based approach to disaster risk reduction and serves as a cornerstone of the National Flood Management Strategy.
“It aligns with our commitments under the Sendai Framework and Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating how proactive infrastructure investment delivers exponential returns through disaster prevention,” Mr Rayalu said.
“Progressive siltation at the river mouth has reduced discharge capacity, transforming normal rainfall into catastrophic floods.”
He said the project delivered multi-dimensional benefits.
Contractors of the project, Hall Contracting, were behind the successful completion of the project on behalf of government.
CEO and director Cameron Hall said the dredging and marine infrastructure company had removed more than 300,000m3 of silt, sand and gravel from a 3.6km stretch of waterway extending offshore from the mouth of the Ba River.
“Our cutter suction dredge Kikilu commenced working on the project in August 2024, and dredged to a depth of around three metres below mean sea level throughout the nine-month period of works,” Mr Hall said.
The Ba River flood mitigation works were completed in May 2025.
