The people of Vunisavisavi Village in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu, are thankful to the United States for assisting the villagers on climate change.

Through the USAID’s Coastal Community Adaptation Project (C-CAP), four new homes at inland locations were built and seven other existing dwellings were upgraded with cyclone proofing work.

US Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu, Judith Cefkin, during the celebration of the completion of the project, said the villagers’ vulnerability to sea level rise would now be reduced with the new homes and upgraded dwellings.

“USAID worked with the people of Vunisavisavi to institute a coastal setback to reduce their vulnerability to sea level rise and extreme sea level events,” she said.

“As part of the setback planning, C-CAP constructed four new homes at new inland locations and upgraded seven existing dwellings through cyclone proofing work.”

Ms Cefkin also thanked the Commissioner Northern’s office; Cakaudrove Province, Climate Change Division and Habitat for Humanity Fiji for their support in helping villagers identify the direct impact of climate change.

According to Vunisavisavi assistant village headman Eferemo Tuisoqulu, they could not relocate because of their tradition obligations to the former Tui Cakau’s yavu and lalagavesi.

“If we leave this place then we will face customary punishment and we do not wish to take the risk,” Mr Tuisoqulu said.

“Although sometimes the sea water covers half of the community area we will not leave.”

Meanwhile, Vunisavisavi Village committee member Mereadani Koco thanked the US government for their support and assistance.

“Our community is a Catholic denomination and the theme for this year is mercy,” she said.

“Ms Cefkin’s people and government have blessed us with mercy and we are thankful for it.

“During cyclone or flooding we can seek shelter is these four houses,” she said.