Relocation Project Takes Shape for Cogea Villagers in Bua

The civil engineering works at the new relocation site for the people of Cogea Village in Bua is expected to end this month.

Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) is heading this relocation project at Naro, called Cokonaki Cogea.

It began last year. Cogea Village in Bua is the first in Fiji to be part of a community-led relocation project funded externally.

The council secured a $3 million fund from Brot fur die Welt, a Germany based Non-Government Organisation for this project. Cokonaki translates to preparing, consolidating or revitalising something.

Council executive director Vani Catanasiga said the three general phases of project Cokonaki Cogea are community planning and consensus phase; community build phase and community resettlement and transition phase; and will involve the construction of 30 homes for Cogea villagers who lost their homes during TC Yasa in 2020.

“In terms of community engagement, a specialist support team of volunteers from the Bua Urban Youth Network was in Cogea last month for two days to solicit feedback and confirm consent from the 30 households on changes to the community masterplan,” Ms Catanasiga said.

It was successfully completed, with the households’ free, prior and informed consent.

“These stemmed from variations arising during the conduct of civil works; four houses have had to be moved,” she said.

“We will also be writing to Fiji Roads Authority to request their help to address a drainage issue identified by our civil works contractor.”

Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj