The Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy said that “river bank erosion and sea wall erosion were all part of challenges and problems faced by climate change”.
While speaking at the completion of the River Bank Protection Works at the Vunibau River Mouth yesterday, Minister Reddy said that the Fijian government will not let changes in climate threaten the Fijian communities and households.
Minister Reddy highlighted that the rivers and seas are not only a source of livelihood but now have become a source of threat due to climate change. It is challenging our communities “but it is the government’s responsibility to protect you all”.
The Vunibau village boundary is situated just 47 meters from the river bank making the village highly vulnerable to floods and impacts of rover bank erosion.
The 408 meter protections works was carried out by Yadra Viti Investments LTD costing a total of $561,292. Under the riverbank protection programme, the company carried out site clearing and leveling, excavation and compacted soil backfill works, placing of boulders etc.
The river bank development will now protect the village against erosion, vegetation on the newly stabilized river banks and reduction of unwanted deposition in other areas.
The community and villagers are expected to take care of the infrastructure that is now protecting their waterways, contributing to their social and economic development of the village.
Minister Reddy also informed the people that the government is working on making communities more climate resilient so they can minimize any negative effects of climate change.