Naitasiri communities seek funding to prepare for climate threat

For many families in Naitasiri, preparing for the next flood, securing a reliable water supply and accessing basic health services remain everyday concerns.

Communities in the district of Soloira are now seeking Government support to address those challenges through a series of community-led development projects aimed at improving resilience, infrastructure and essential services.

In its 2026-2027 National Budget submission, the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) is requesting $582,500 to fund projects identified by villagers under the Vakabula Vanua Project.

FCOSS executive director Vani Catanasiga said the proposals emerged from consultations with communities about the issues affecting their daily lives.

"Our proposals are the direct result of extensive engagement with communities, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements, identifying pressing needs and opportunities for impactful interventions," Ms Catanasiga said.

A significant portion of the funding request — $396,000 — is earmarked for disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures.

The proposed projects include evacuation centres, riverbank protection works, reforestation programmes and community disaster preparedness training.

FCOSS said communities in Soloira were facing increasing pressure from climate change and environmental degradation, making investment in resilience measures more urgent.

The organisation is also seeking $107,000 for infrastructure projects aimed at improving daily living conditions in villages.

The proposals include water security projects, solar streetlights, household solar systems and roadside markets for women to support economic opportunities at community level.

Another $56,500 has been requested to strengthen community health services through village dispensaries, sanitation upgrades and improved waste management systems.

Beyond physical infrastructure, FCOSS is also proposing investments in leadership training, traditional governance and social cohesion programmes to help communities become more self-reliant and resilient.

Ms Catanasiga said the projects were aligned with national development priorities while addressing practical needs identified by rural communities.

"These community-led programmes are designed to deliver tangible improvements in health, infrastructure, disaster preparedness, governance and mental wellness, directly contributing to national development goals," she said.

The Soloira proposal forms part of FCOSS's broader national budget submission, which includes a total funding request of $702,500 for community development initiatives across Fiji.