For many years, Naviyago villagers have lived in fear because of soil erosion.

The village just outside the Lautoka City boundary, is facing soil erosion and is now a major worry among villagers.

About 20 women have taken the bold step to save the village and secure their homes.

Earlier this year members of the Naviyago Women’s Club discussed planting mangroves because a house in the village was slowly washing away to the effects of soil erosion.

Led by its President, Vasemaca Nainai, the club has been in existence for close to 20 years and it is the women’s first time to plant mangroves.

The club membership is 200 women with about 20 active members.

Club Avisor, Mere Nailevu, 68, said the group first planted mangroves at the mouth of the Vitogo River.

Yesterday, they planted 50 mangroves.

“We have planted 120 mangroves already and we are trying to plant 50 mangroves once a month,” Ms Nailevu said.

“We’ve noticed that the riverbank has come closer to the houses. We have asked for help, but nothing so far we have to help ourselves first.”

“Our women want to save the village.”

She said the women were in need of more mangrove seedlings and remained hopeful that they would receive assistance.

“We picked our old mangroves and came to plant them near the bridge,” Ms Nailevu said.

“On the other side of the river bank, the mangroves were planted many years ago and we have seen changes so we aim to reach that level.

“If any other groups can suggest to us what we can do to save our village apart from planting mangroves, we ask if they can help us.”

Club Secretary, Ana Guivalu, 60, said she always felt scared thinking about the future of her children and grandchildren.

Ms Guivalu said about 60 children from Naviyago Village were students. “If erosion continues there will be no home for us,” she said.

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