The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has firmly rejected claims that ground expansion works at the Nasinu Cemetery are responsible for flooding at the Naqiliso Settlement, saying the allegations are based on misinformation and that the Service will not back off from the facts.
In a detailed statement, FCS said the inference that its construction works directly caused the flooding is false, stressing that extensive consultations were carried out before and during the project with contractors, consultants, the Department of Environment, the Fiji Roads Authority, the Lands Department and the Nausori Town Council. Community leaders were also consulted, including after flooding was reported.
FCS said the settlement is informal and lacks a proper drainage system, resulting in wastewater and some sewage being discharged into a low-lying drain that has become blocked over many years by rubbish and refuse.
“The flooding or ponding of water at the settlement is due to the residents’ own negligence and illegal dumping of rubbish,” FCS said, adding that plastics and household waste were the main causes of blockages.
The Service said all statutory approvals, including Environmental Impact Assessment and town council approvals, were obtained before construction began, and that contractors complied fully with approved designs, survey plans and legal boundaries.
FCS also confirmed that some settlement structures, including bathrooms and piping, were found to be encroaching onto FCS land following boundary redefinition by a registered surveyor.
Residents have been issued a 14-day notice by the Lands Department after an earlier 30-day notice expired.
Once encroachments are cleared, FCS said it would be able to construct improved drainage.
It also plans to work with health authorities to remove years of accumulated rubbish from within the compound.
FCS added that a longer-term plan is being developed with the Fiji Roads Authority and Lands Department to clear encroachments on nearby government road reserve land.
The Service said it will continue consultations with surrounding communities and urged the media to seek balanced comment before publication.
