Seawall Secures Village
The villagers of Rukurukulevu yesterday applauded Government for adding security and peace of mind by building a seawall to secure them from tidal surges. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama officiated at the opening of the Rukurukulevu Seawall project at Nadroga yesterday. The project was worth $438,000.
Siteri Toge Qiliho, 63, of Yadrana, Lakeba, Lau has lived in the village since 1989 and said she was grateful to Government for its assistance. “Finally, we can have security and peace of mind from this seawall,” said the mother of seven children.
She revealed that the village had long been at the forefront of a changing climate, suffering from strengthening storms and rising sea levels.
“Coastal erosion threatened the community, even during normal high tides; waves would splash into the village,” she said.
“During cyclones, that problem became life-threatening. Waves over a metre high sweep into the village grounds, and even enter your homes.” Ms Qiliho, who came to the village some 31 years ago, said the villagers at the time fundraised for a low-block wall, but it was constructed without proper design, and thus did not offer the protection that families needed. Neumi Ratulevu, said: “The plea of our forefathers has been heard.
“Over the years, the former seawall was damaged by strong waves, making the need for a proper replacement all the more apparent.”
The Government stepped in through the Ministry of Waterways.
The ministry conducted a thorough survey and proposed the design of the remarkable new seawall, including 400 metres of reinforced, raised concrete seawall.
On re-opening schools
On reopening of schools, Mr Bainimarama said: “We’re finalising our assessments on how we can responsibly take Fiji forward into the post-COVID-19 era, and we’ll have announcements to make this week.”
He said it would be made during the launch of the new mobile contract tracing application.
Mr Bainimarama also commissioned the $1.8 million worth Mosi Dam Three in Nadi yesterday.