ABOUT 500 residents of Naqiliso Settlement in Davuilevu are grappling with ongoing flooding, which they claim was triggered after drainage was blocked by cemetery extension works carried out by the Fiji Corrections Service.
Residents said the works have obstructed their main drain, leaving dirty water with no proper outlet. As a result, stagnant and foul-smelling water has surrounded several homes, heightening concerns about health and safety.
Narayan Sami, who had lived in the settlement for about 25 years, said the situation had worsened over the past week because of rainfall.
“The water keeps rising and there is nowhere for it go and it’s almost coming into the houses,” he said.
“Our children have to go to school. The water smells and we are worried they could get sick.”
Mr Sami said the community had earlier raised concerns about the cemetery boundary moving closer to their homes and were assured there would be consultations before further work continued.
“We are not against the cemetery extension, but they should build a proper drain first. Without drainage, how can the water be controlled.”
He claimed contractors had not responded positively despite repeated concerns raised by residents.
“If it is not fixed people will not be able to go to work or school.”
Another resident, Sanjay Narayan, a minivan driver, said he was unable to operate for several days as driving through flooded streets could damage his vehicle’s engine.
The community is now calling on authorities to urgently install a proper drainage system to prevent further flooding and safeguard families in the area.
Questions have been sent to the Fiji Corrections Service and is yet to provide an official response.
