133 rice farmers in Dreketi, Macuata will benefit from the current drainage works that is being conducted through the assistance of the government of the People’s Republic of China.

The contract was awarded to China Railway Group who then sub-contracted works to a local company to carry out the clearing of drains in the Dreketi Irrigation areas. 

The 90 days of work will see the clearing of 18.9 kilometres of drains especially the inlets and outlets in the rice fields.

The work is being supervised by staff of the Waterways Division and a representative from the farmers.

There are currently 1,147 acres of rice farms in Dreketi and the drainage works currently being conducted will help farmers in clearing their bogged farms due to the heavy rain that they have been experiencing in the last few days.