Village relocation starts next week
Cogea Village, in the district of Wainunu, Bua, begin relocation next week. They blame climate change.
On December 17, 2020, Tropical Cyclone Yasa literally wiped out 32 of 37 homes in the village. Their location, at the junction of Wainunu River, had left them open to the elements.
At the height of the cyclone, the river burst its bank and swept away everything in its path.
Only five houses built up on a hill, survived the Category Five cyclone.
The decision to relocate did not come easy.
Cogea Village headman Atekini Nairibuli said they loved to be near the river where children would swim and mothers wash clothes and bath.
“Lot of memories have been made from past generations and it is sad that due to a category five cyclone we have to leave behind everything,” he said.
About 160 individuals reside in Cogea Village.
Mr Nairibuli during Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s visit to the village on December 21 informed him that relocation was inevitable.
“Although no lives were lost, we can’t ignore the fact that climate change is real and it would continue to bring greater effect,” Mr Nairibuli said.
“Our village for the first time was badly hit by a natural disas
ter and we can’t sit around and do nothing.”
Earlier this week, Mr Nairibuli accompanied village elders for a discussion with the Dawato Settlement clan landowners.
“We walked about one kilometre to Dawato Settlement where there are already three houses.
“We presented a traditional sevusevu to the clan (mataqali) landowners and they agreed to give us the land.”
They also approved Cogea villagers to cut timber from their forest area to build their homes. Mr Nairibuli said they grateful.
Following the approval from the clan, they had a meeting with the Ministry of Forestry who would assist with the provision of chainsaws to cut wood from the forest. “We are also in discussion with the Bua Provincial office were and iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) because we want to build cyclone-proof houses,” Mr Nairibuli said.
“We’ve informed the relevant authorities about our relocation plan so that proper procedure is followed.
“Everyone
Currently, those who’ve lost their houses are living in tents. “Some have resumed with dalo and yaqona farming to generate some income,” he said.
“Some children attend Ratu Luke Secondary School and Primary School while others are home due to personal reasons.” Mr Nairibuli said the decision to relocate was the hardest decision he had ever taken in his life. has agreed to relocate.”