Dredging project of the Navua River will cost the Government $4 million. Another $60 million is expected to be spent on dredging works on rivers around the country.
Following this, China Railway First Group (CRFG) Fiji Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Mason Smith , the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Primary Industry.
Some of the aims of the project are increasing flood discharge capacity, reducing flooding frequencies and duration, reclamation of additional land for village development and improvement of drainage.
Mr. Smith said: “ River dredging is a high socio-political issue for the Government as a flood mitigation strategy to reduce risks, and impacts of flooding.”
The works are expected to last for six months.
According to The Jet, CRFG has previously carried out the dredging of the Rewa River, and therefore was trusted with this project as well. The previous works were accomplished within the budget and on time.
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Dredging Today Staff, April 12, 2012;