Foreign and Military Affairs

Chinese company praised for dredging works

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-07 12:19

SUVA - Fijian agricultural officials on Tuesday praised China Railway First Group (Fiji) Limited company for its dredging works in the Rewa River, the longest and most important stream on the island.

While announcing that the 2nd phase of the dredging works is expected to continue in August after the first phase completion in April, Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Mason Smith described the Chinese work as "another milestone achievement" which "brings relief to the people of deltaic area during periods of heavy rain."  

Smith further highlighted the importance of the dredging project, saying as the longest and most important stream, the Rewa River drains one-third of Viti Levu.

Its valley and fertile deltas support vegetable, rice and dairy production and feeds many small streams too, he said, adding the river basin is enriched by a deep deposit of alluvial soil and there are more than 200 native villages situated on its banks and rely on the river for food.

Meanwhile, Lakshman Mudaliar, Fijian Director of Land Water and Resource Management, also expressed that "we are grateful to the China Railway First Group Limited for carrying out their tasks diligently and efficiently despite the problems experienced on the ground."

"This project is one of the many commitments that government is undertaking in its efforts to increase food production and make positive contributions towards the nation's GDP," said the Fijian official, adding "the fertility of land is expected to improve which will in turn result in better crop yield and contributing positively to food security."