Nakawaqa villagers push for decade-old seawall request

Nakawaqa villagers on Mali Island in Macuata plan to build a seawall in a bid to reduce saltwater intrusion on their land.

Village spokesperson Henry Koliniwai said extreme weather associated with Tropical Cyclone Urmil caused tidal waves to sweep inland, accelerating coastal erosion.

He said the village had been requesting Government assistance for a seawall for more than a decade.

“With climate change worsening, it comes down to mitigation measures to prevent further coastal erosion,” Mr Koliniwai said.

He warned that the future of children in the village looked uncertain without proper infrastructure to safeguard their lives.

“Climate change is real and we are facing its negative effects with the washing away of our coastline,” he said.

Root crops and vegetables have been affected, with plantations washed away or damaged by excessive seawater flowing into the village.

Nakawaqa is home to more than 100 villagers, while more than 300 people live on Mali Island.

Mr Koliniwai, a community climate advocate, said youths in every village should understand their responsibilities in protecting the environment.

“Illegal dumping of waste from town areas in Labasa ends up on our shores and this affects our fish stocks,” he said.

“The seawall will ensure that the coastal erosion problem is addressed.”

Malau Settlement in Labasa opposite Mali Island following the construction of the seawall reduced coastal flooding.

The three villages on Mali Island are; Ligaulevu, Vesi and Nakawaqa, depend on a seawall for future protection against the effects of climate change.