Ratu Baleidreima, a 53-year-old resident of Nadi, is determined to build a more resilient home to shield his family from future flooding. Last Friday, he and his family were forced to evacuate as floodwaters surged into their current residence. Currently, they are taking shelter at Andrews Primary School alongside other evacuees.
In 2019, Baleidreima purchased land in the Nawaijikuma Settlement, located in a historically flood-prone area, and constructed a temporary home for his family. Despite facing repeated evacuations during flood events, he remains hopeful. “Every time there is a flood, we end up at an evacuation center,” he stated.
Baleidreima expressed his burning desire to construct a sturdy home elevated off the ground for better protection against floods. However, he is currently unable to realize this dream due to financial constraints, as he prioritizes his children’s education. His eldest child attends the Nadi Special School, while another prepares to enter high school next year, and the remaining three children are in primary school.
The family’s Christmas Day was disrupted as floodwaters invaded their home during lunch. In a hurry, they gathered their food, cooking supplies, and clothing before being transported to the evacuation site. Now, the family awaits the water levels to recede so that Baleidreima can return to their home to begin the cleanup process.
This story highlights not only the plight of families in flood-prone areas but also the resilience and hope of individuals like Mr. Baleidreima who strive to create a safer living environment for their loved ones. Despite the challenges, his commitment to his family’s future encourages a sense of optimism that with perseverance and community support, better living conditions are possible.
In summary, this family’s experience showcases the need for sustainable housing solutions in vulnerable areas to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and it encourages a future focus on resilience and community strength.
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