NANISE NEIMILA
Seven families of Narikoso Village in Kadavu became the third successful relocation project in Fiji for those affected by the adversities of climate change.
The $1.2 million initiative, which was fully funded by the European Union and German Agency for International Cooperation and Development, will ensure the families are not affected by rising sea levels.
It is also one of the 48 relocation projects identified by the Fijian Government as the most vulnerable.
Thirty-eight-year-old Siteri Vuidreu was emotional and grateful to the EU and GIZ in partnership with the Fijian Government for their support and assistance towards her family’s relocation.
“Every time there was a surge in the tide our home would be half submerged in water and we would have to swim out,” Ms Vuidreu said.
“I am so happy that we can now relocate and start a new beginning. This is a testimonial for future generations that climate change is real and has affected the way we live.”
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama commended the EU and its donor partners GIZ and said the homes are made to withstand category-4 cyclones.
“Narikoso is the third village we have relocated and every successful relocation gives hope and encouragement to the remaining villages.”
“It is the Government’s job to support the efforts of the people in this village and others to have a better life today, to look to a more prosperous future and to contribute to the economy of the country.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama said; “In Fiji, when we build back, we build back better as it is not enough to simply move a village. “The new structures in Narikoso are built to withstand a category-4 storm. We pray that your homes will never be called on to resist those kinds of winds. But if those winds come, these houses will remain standing.
In the sunlight of the next day, your village will be here, just as it was,” he said.
“But it also means we build back better with an integrated approach to economic development. When we relocate a village—or part of a village—we want that village to thrive in the future, not merely to exist as a dot on a map. The people will always be here in Narikoso. But when they gaze across their village, they must not only see a village; they must see a better future.”
In addition, the Integrated Human Resource Development Programme (IHRDP) will provide economic opportunities for Narikoso villagers through a $27,000 allocation to the Matanarua Co-operative.
Through the program the villagers will receive 200 laying hens, 100 chickens for meat, plus feeding equipment from Pacific Feed, a 1000 litre cooler and 500 litre freezers from Brij Lal and an outboard engine and a generator from ASCO Motors.
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