Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways claim there will be lesser flooding in the Ba River after major dredging works concluded last month.
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 have been removed by contractors.
has wrapped up at Ba River, helping to protect the township of Ba and adjacent communities against wet weather events and flooding.
“Progressive siltation at the river mouth has reduced discharge capacity, transforming normal rainfall into catastrophic floods,” said Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu.
“There will be improved river health, water quality, and restored navigational access for fishing communities as well as enhanced safety, reduced health risks, and restored confidence for long-term settlement and investment.”
The Ba River catchment had major flood events in 1931, 1956, 1975, 1983, 1993, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2019, and 2020, with the 2009 floods alone claiming 11 lives and affecting over 100,000 people.
