After more than four years of living in tents following the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Ana, the villagers of Nabavatu in Dreketi are witnessing significant advancements in their relocation efforts. Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, informed Parliament that the civil works for the Nabavatu Relocation Project are currently 80 percent complete, setting the stage for house construction to begin.
The multi-million dollar initiative is divided into four phases: civil works, home construction, community infrastructure, and final engineering assessments. Completion of road and drainage improvements by the Public Works Department is expected by the end of May, facilitating further development in the area. Engineering Express Limited has been contracted to build 37 new homes, with construction underway and targets set for completion by December.
In an encouraging move, local landowning units, mataqali Carakoro and mataqali Uluitoga, have agreed to grant logging licenses, allowing timber to be sourced from their lands for the new homes. The logging activities are being supervised by Gold Hold Timber, ensuring proper management practices.
Moreover, the government is investing in community facilities by constructing an evacuation center and a church for the relocated villagers. They are also covering the villagers’ water bills, which amounted to approximately $7,000 annually while they have been temporarily settled at the Dreketi Assemblies of God Church. Humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF and the Fiji Red Cross, are also providing essential supplies to support the community during this transition.
The presence of key governmental and international support in this project reflects not only a commitment to rebuilding the lives of the affected families but also a broader focus on enhancing disaster resilience and stability in the region. As Minister Ditoka noted, while the relocation may be a necessary step due to the circumstances, it embodies hope and a path toward a secure future for the Nabavatu community.
This project serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and unity found within communities as they face adversity. With steady progress being made, there is palpable optimism among the villagers as they anticipate the move to their new homes, marking a critical turning point in their recovery journey and a brighter future.
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