The government’s new dredger is expected to improve drainage in Fiji’s farming areas and reduce flood risks.
The move comes as the country pushes to grow agricultural exports beyond the $1billion mark.
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna told The Fiji Times the dredger would allow the ministry to directly maintain rivers and streams, work that had been delayed for years because of reliance on outsourced services.
“For the last 10 to 15 years we have been hiring service providers, and there have been delays because of the normal contracting procedures,” Mr Tunabuna said.
“Now we have our own dredger and our own expertise to do the work that is very much required.”
He said dredging played a critical role in improving drainage during periods of heavy rainfall by allowing excess water to flow more freely, reducing flooding in low-lying agricultural areas.
Mr Tunabuna said the dredger would also help the ministry review and improve the design of infrastructure such as floodgates and drainage systems, particularly in areas affected by saltwater intrusion.
“This will benefit farming communities across the country, including sugarcane land and non-sugar land.”
The cutter suction dredger was officially handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways, and the Sugar Industry on Friday at the Luvuluvu Depot in Nausori.
Mr Tunabuna said the ministry would also focus on long-term maintenance of the equipment by recruiting and training technicians locally, reducing dependence on outsourcing and ensuring the dredger remained operational for years to come.
He said the asset would strengthen the ministry’s flood mitigation efforts and protect both livelihoods and food security.
