Desilting works on the Vitogo River will further boost efforts to safeguard nine communities and an estimated 1,000 Fijians, the Fijian Government said.
The dredging works are expected to mitigate flooding and benefit seven settlements, three villages, and sugarcane and crop farms adjacent to the Vitogo River.
Desilting works on 20 kilometres of the river will be undertaken by the Ministry of Waterways under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Digmach.
While commissioning the desilting works at Vitogo Village in Lautoka last week, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Dr Mahendra Reddy said that this project will provide relief to thousands of Fijians from flooding during heavy rain.
Also, Minister Reddy reiterated that the Ministry of Waterways will be vigilant in protecting the communities who needed urgent assistance by prioritising the immediate works based on an emergency basis, where applicable.