WHILE school holidays often mean extra screen time and outdoor games for children, for four youngsters in Griffith Place Namadi, the break became an opportunity to show civic pride and community spirit.
Concerned that overgrown grass and rubbish were blocking drains and causing poor drainage, the children took it upon themselves to clean the area.
Armed with simple tools, they cleared the drains and removed thick grass growing along the waterways.
Their efforts caught the attention of neighbour and former Speaker of Parliament, Pita Nacuva, who praised the children for their initiative.
“It was amazing to see these kids stepping up to clear the drains,” Mr Nacuva said.
He explained that during his time working with the Department of Town and Country Planning, drain maintenance was routinely carried out by municipal workers.
However, seeing young children take responsibility for their surroundings filled him with pride.
“In the past, we would often see the council clearing the drains, but I don’t think that happens as regularly these days.”
Mr Nacuva noted that blocked drains remained one of the major causes of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
He called on the Suva City Council to include drain clearing as part of its regular grass-cutting and hedge-trimming schedules.
“We need to show that we care about our environment.”
