Namoli Village Seawall Upgrade

The upgrade of the seawall will stop sea inundation or coastal inundation into the coastal frontage of Namoli Village in Lautoka.

That was mentioned by the Nabaoli Tokatoka head Tevita Uluikavoro on Tuesday. He said during heavy rain, seawater would overflow and flood the village.

“It is also the drainage problem. During heavy rain, when the drains overflow and meet with the sea water, that is when it is flooded near the village.

“We are hopeful the upgrading of the seawall and the drainage will solve problems of flooding.

Village headman, Manoa Ravouvou thanked Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka for visiting the village last Friday, which they received a confirmation of the upgrading that will take place in January 2025.

“Climate change has affected this seawall and caused flooding around the village. We are hoping this upgrading will solve the problem,” he added.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (fourth from left) with village elders at Namoli Village in Lautoka recently.

The PM, alongside a group of friends from overseas who were members of a prayer group, visited the village and presented their i sevusevu which was accepted by Na Turaga Na iTaukei Vidilo Ratu Wiliame Bouwalu Saumaimuri.

Mr Rabuka said that during their meeting, they discussed the Namoli seawall, which is increasingly struggling to protect the village coastline from erosion.

“The seawall stretches along 440 metres of shoreline, but during high tide, seawater now encroaches into the village.

“This has greatly affected the people of Namoli over the years.

“I am grateful to the divisional engineer western for accompanying the group, and for providing insights on the structural challenges,” Mr Rabuka said.

The group plans to further develop the Namoli seawall to protect the community from rising sea levels in the future.

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