FLOODING, poor drainage and waste management remain major challenges for Rakiraki Town, with Vaileka Creek reportedly not desilted since 2018.
Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua highlighted the concerns while debating the consolidated review report of the Rakiraki Town Council in Parliament yesterday.
“First, flooding and drainage remain significant challenges for Rakiraki Town,” she said.
“Of particular concern is Vaileka Creek, which the committee was informed had not been desilted since 2018.”
Ms Qereqeretabua said stronger inter-agency coordination and sustained investment in flood mitigation were required.
The committee also raised concerns over delays to the Waimicia satellite town, municipal boundary extension and relocation of the Rakiraki dump site.
“These delays are associated with land tenure issues, funding constraints and the need for greater coordination between responsible agencies.”
Waste management was another concern, with the committee noting vulnerabilities at the existing Naria dump site. The existing Naria dump site remains vulnerable to groundwater contamination and, of course, fire hazards, while the proposed regional landfill is still at the site identification stage,” she added.
Despite the challenges, the committee acknowledged the council’s continued delivery of essential municipal services, including market development, waste management and environmental initiatives.
The Rakiraki market accommodates 395 stores and has maintained full occupancy, with revenue increasing from about $92,500 in 2020 to more than $98,500 in 2025 and reaching $103,000 by May 2026.
The committee recommended prioritising creek desilting, strengthening drainage infrastructure, developing a regional landfill and improving revenue collection.
