The residents of Tongatapu are thankful that downpours, which have left some areas flooded since this morning, have cleared the dust from unsealed roads.
However, they are worried that the heavy rain could worsen the potholes, which have long been a source of complaints.
Tonga Metservice said in the last six hours that a heavy rain and flash flood advisory remains in force for the land areas of Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and Eua.
It said an active trough lies over Tonga, associated with clouds and occasional rain and thunderstorms, affecting most of the group today, Saturday, 12.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku has urged those in flooded areas to contact the Police, Fire emergency services and Communication (MEIDECC).
He said those needing emergency assistance might have to relocate to emergency centres.
There were reports of weather-related events on Taufa’āhau main road near Tonga National Centre, Parliament House and Vaiola Hospital at Tofoa.
A Facebook user said the rain cleared the dust and she could collect clean water.
However, the user also said she was concerned that after the rain, the roads could return to their previous poor condition, forcing commuters to navigate through a maze of potholes and uneven surfaces once again.
Commenters responded to social media posts calling on the government to take decisive action urgently to permanently resolve the road problems.
As Kaniva News reported last month, residents at part of Tongatapu’s Hihifo road demanded action over the area’s key unsealed commuter road, which they said was unsafe for their health and damaging their vehicles.
The residents said they needed to spray water on the road to prevent and reduce the dust problems they were experiencing.
A resident claimed that the contractor left more than a month after removing the road seal causing significant problems and disturbances for the community.
Kaniva News understands that that road has yet to be fixed.
While the Ministry regularly updates its announcements on Facebook about its scheduled maintenance works, a schedule still needs to be posted to inform residents when their roads can be fixed.
On Wednesday, it said a specialised team from the Ministry of Infrastructure has been assigned to address the issue of blocked road drainage systems.
It said this problem has caused widespread water accumulation in low-lying areas and residential homes. The stagnant water, unable to flow freely towards the sea, has raised significant concerns about flooding and property damage, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
