RISING floodwaters in Muaniweni, Naitasiri have once again exposed the challenges faced by rural farmers, forcing businessman Melvin Chand to use boats to transport his harvested dalo across flooded roads.
A 40-year-old farmer and owner of Melvin’s Trucking Services, Mr Chand watched as heavy rainfall yesterday submerged the main access road to his village, making it impossible for his truck to cross and collect dalo harvested earlier this week.
Mr Chand, who was born and raised in Muaniweni, said the crop had been harvested on Monday and needed to be delivered before it spoiled.
“We had no choice but to use boats to bring the dalo across the flooded road and load it onto the truck,” he said.
The produce was destined for Ben’s Trading and other markets.
Mr Chand entered the trucking business five years ago and said it had provided good opportunities for his family and workers.
However, flooding remained one of the biggest obstacles.
“The business is good, but every time the road floods, it becomes very difficult for me and the boys to do our work.”
For many families in Muaniweni, farming remains the main source of income.
Mr Chand said rising fuel costs and wet weather were making it increasingly difficult for farmers to earn a living.
“Our dalo farm is our main source of income. Today we couldn’t harvest because of the flood, and when the water stays too long, crops can be damaged.”
Flooding also affects his daily life, forcing him to leave his truck behind and travel home by boat whenever water levels rise above the road.
“For the safety of my truck, I have to park it in the nearby village because the people there know me very well.”
Mr Chand called on Government to consider raising the road to reduce disruptions for the villagers during periods of bad weather.
“If the road is higher, people in the village won’t struggle like this every time it rains heavily.”
