The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, yesterday (08:05:2025), formalised the commencement of a critical climate adaptation initiative through the official contract signing for the Nasilai Coastal Erosion Protection Work Project.
The project is a direct response to the growing threat of coastal erosion facing the Nasilai community in the Rewa Province, an area increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels and intensified weather patterns caused by climate change.
While officiating the contract signing in Suva yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mr. Isoa Talemaibua emphasised the Government’s commitment to protecting at-risk communities across the country.
“This project represents our collective commitment to protecting vulnerable coastal communities and strengthening climate resilience across Fiji,” Mr. Talemaibua said.
The project was initiated following a high-level site visit to Nasilai by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Professor Biman Prasad. During the visit, villagers raised urgent concerns over the loss of arable land and village territory due to the increasing impacts of coastal erosion.
Technical assessments conducted by the Ministry of Waterways and the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources confirmed the severity of the erosion threat, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.
With a total approved budget of $1,571,300, the project will begin implementation in this financial year, starting with an initial allocation of $400,000.
The project will be carried out in five strategic phases, including:
- 1. Mobilisation of resources
- 2. Earthworks and site levelling
- 3. Construction of a boulder revetment seawall along vulnerable coastline areas
- 4. Installation of drainage systems and access points
- 5. Bio-engineering using native vegetation to stabilise and restore coastal ecology
The entire project is expected to be completed within eight months.
“This project directly benefits the 40 households and approximately 150 residents of Nasilai who depend on their limited 7-acre land for both housing and livelihood,” Mr Talemaibua said.
“The interventions will protect critical infrastructure, preserve agricultural productivity, and safeguard cultural and community spaces. Beyond physical protection, this project will enhance food security, reduce disaster recovery costs, and provide skills development opportunities for community members.”
This initiative aligns with the Government’s broader efforts to build resilient communities and ensure that no Fijian is left behind in the face of a changing climate.
Meanwhile, a total of five companies had submitted bids for this project, and following a comprehensive evaluation process, Yandra Viti Investment had been selected as the successful contractor to complete this project.