Villagers of Nabubu Village in Namuka, Macuata were given a new lease of life after a 120-metre raised nature-based seawall was constructed.

Village headman, Kalivereti Voka, said the construction of the seawall would protect the lives of  villagers from the effects of climate change.

Mr Voka said climate change was a real phenomenon and previously the homes closest to the shoreline were badly impacted with seawater inundation.

“During hurricanes and cyclones, the big waves came straight into the village, endangering our lives and property,” he said.

He supported the implementation of a nature-based solutions compared to a concrete seawall as the nature was the best means of combating its side effects.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Mr Mahendra Reddy, made an inspection visit to the village on Tuesday.

Mr Reddy said nature-based solution seawall where resources such as boulders and vetiver grass played pivotal role in the construction and was financially sustainable.

He reminded the villagers that their FijiFirst Government continued to progress in developing more interior areas with climate resilience support.

“Upon construction, villagers must meet the aspirations of the community in protecting the natural ecology,” he stated.

Minister Reddy said the commissioning is expected to be carried out by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, soon.

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