Flood mitigation dredging along the Ba River has officially concluded, enhancing protection for the township of Ba and nearby communities against flood risks brought on by heavy rain and storms.

The project was carried out by Hall Contracting on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways. The dredging has significantly improved the river’s water discharge capacity, enabling more efficient outflow into the South Pacific Ocean during extreme weather events.

Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, said the initiative represents a data-driven approach to reducing disaster risk and forms a key part of Fiji’s National Flood Management Strategy.

“This project reflects our commitment under the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Rayalu. “It shows how smart infrastructure investment can prevent costly disasters.”

Ba River’s catchment area has a long history of severe flooding, with major events recorded in 1931, 1956, 1975, 1983, 1993, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2019, and 2020. The 2009 floods alone claimed 11 lives and impacted over 100,000 people.

“Progressive siltation* at the river mouth has reduced its ability to discharge water efficiently, turning normal rainfall into dangerous flooding,” said Rayalu.

He added that the project brings wide-ranging benefits, including:

• Reduced flood frequency and severity in Ba Town and surrounding areas
• Protection of farmland, infrastructure, and local businesses
• Improved river health and water quality
• Safer and more accessible waterways for fishing communities
• Greater confidence for long-term settlement and development

Hall Contracting CEO, Cameron Hall, confirmed that more than 300,000 cubic metres of sediment were removed from a 3.6km stretch of the Ba River, extending offshore.

“Our cutter suction dredge Kikilu began work in August 2024, dredging to a depth of three metres below mean sea level over nine months,” said Mr. Hall.

He noted that while future maintenance will be needed due to natural sedimentation, the completed works significantly reduce current flood risks.

The project also created jobs for four Fijian workers who were trained in dredge and workboat operations.

The Ba River dredging project was completed in May 2025.

(*siltation– the process of blocking something with sand or soil; the sand or soil that blocks something: Construction on the land would cause siltation, pollution, and other degradation of the river.)

(PC: Hall Contracting)