It has been made clear by the government that the right processes are being followed in the Sigatoka river dredging project.
Minister for Agriculture and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu stresses that the focus of the Sigatoka River dredging project is no different from other dredging projects being carried out by the government.
He says it is to reduce the threat of flooding and flood damages to properties, infrastructure, agriculture produce, industrial and business sector along the river.
Seruiratu stresses that despite other reports an Environment Impact Assessment was undertaken in 2013 after the tender was approved and awarded by the Government Tender Board to Corerega Environment Consultant.
He says from past experiences of flooding that occurred in Sigatoka town and the low lying areas of the Sigatoka Valley has caused significant loss to the economy.
He says consultations were held with all relevant stakeholders including the resource owners.
The first stage of the project is currently underway while the second stage will be carried out next year.
Sixty percent of the dredging work at the Sigatoka river has been completed.
A total of 300,000 cubic meters of dredged sand and soil will be removed from the Sigatoka river when it is completed.
The dredging site is 550 metres from the mouth of the Sigatoka river.
The Agriculture Ministry says two state lands have been approved through an Environmental Impact Assessment study by the Department of Environment.
Dredging works started on the 12th of January this year.
The government’s current budget under the Land Drainage and Flood Protection Programme is FJ$5 million.
