The new Vunidogoloa Evacuation Centre in Cakaudrove is expected to be completed this month.

This is the second phase of the Vunidogoloa Village Relocation Project. The first phase was initially opened by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, on February 16, this year.

This involved the construction of 30 homes which has been greatly acknowledged by the villagers. Close to $200,000 had already been spent by Government on the project.

Village headman Sailosi Ramatu said at the moment they were trying to complete the evacuation centre as a priority.

“The second phase also involves the construction of drains, footpaths and landslide mitigation and is expected to be completed in October this year,” Mr Ramatu said.

He said the construction of an evacuation centre was a Government-funded initiative that would assist villagers in times of natural disasters.

Meanwhile, despite moving to their new village site seven months ago, the villagers still gather at the old site for fishing and to recall days at the old village.

Sera Naidua, 67, said the village men and women continued to visit the old village site to gather coconuts and fish.

“We are grateful to the Government for looking into our needs, especially at a time where our homes, our village was being affected by the rising sea levels.”

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