GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
PM Bainimarama re-affirms Government’s commitment to protect Fijian communities from impacts of climate change.
New seawall guards Namoli Village
As a coastal community, Namoli villagers depend on the resources the sea provides, but are also weary of the destructive force it can bring with it.
That natural threat was being nullified with a newly-built seawall to protect the village from rising sea level and soil erosion.
While commissioning the Namoli Village’s hybrid bio engineering coastal protection programme yesterday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama re-affirmed Government’s commitment to protect Fijians from the impacts of climate change. “You all can see this change with your own eyes and science backs up the experiences you live every day. Information collected by satellites shows that, since 1993, sea levels in Fiji have risen by about six millimetres per year; about double the global average,” he said.
“The faulty constructed seawalls had endangered the safety of community members and exposed the environment to the drastic impacts of soil erosion. “Your new seawall stretches across 440 metres of shoreline, and is built to a standard aimed at maximum protection from coastal erosion.”
The stone-masonry seawall structure includes a pitching drain with a culvert to protect Namoli Village – an ambitious project that came in at a Government investment of more than $700,000.
Mr Bainimarama said the newly-completed seawall was a prime example of cutting-edge engineering, combined with nature-based solutions.
“The planting of mangroves… will provide a first-line of defence from coastal erosion and sea level rise. By tapping into nature, the future of Namoli will be more environmentally-friendly and more secure, helping both your people and the planet alike. But the peace of mind that it will provide is priceless.”
Village representative Joseva Turuva praised the PM saying: “We are thankful to your Government for the great work done and I am grateful God has chosen you to do things other Governments have not done.” The PM also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Ministry of Waterways in spearheading this initiative.