Eighteen families in Cogea, Wainunui, Bua are anxiously awaiting the completion of their relocation project, which has been delayed. Village elder Paula Navosa expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing risks of future disasters, particularly following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasa five years ago, where their homes were lost. The relocation project, which is being spearheaded by the Fiji Council for Social Services (FCOSS), has faced significant delays primarily due to weather conditions and insufficient manpower to assist with construction efforts.
Navosa highlighted that some families have already relocated to new sites or rebuilt their homes independently while the rest remain hopeful for the project’s swift advancement. “Moving to the new village site is what we have been looking forward to all this time,” he said. The completion of the initial two homes currently under construction will depend heavily on contractors, with ongoing commitments from villagers in terms of land and materials like gravel.
Despite the various challenges, there is cautious optimism among the villagers, as the Fiji Council for Social Services has expressed its commitment to completing the homes by June this year. The focus remains on finding a timely resolution to ensure these families can move into safe housing before the onset of further disasters.
This situation mirrors ongoing efforts in other communities affected by disasters, such as Nabavatu village, where the government has recently made strides in relocating families displaced by Tropical Cyclone Ana. The initiatives signify a growing commitment from authorities to prioritize disaster recovery and resilience, fostering hope for Cogea’s families as well.
Overall, these developments offer a snapshot of the need for strong cooperation and communication between local communities and government bodies to effectively manage disaster recovery initiatives and provide vulnerable families with the secure housing they desperately need.
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