The relocation of 37 families from Nadoiviri, Dreketi in Macuata has taken a significant step forward as the site has been confirmed safe for housing despite its low-lying nature. Ratu Maika Rokobatidua, the Vunivalu of Dreketi, reassured the community that a Ministry of Lands report has deemed the area suitable for constructing homes. This assurance comes after recent concerns were raised following a mudslide triggered by heavy rain and rising creek levels in the vicinity. The problem has been mitigated, with the installation of new drainage systems designed to safely direct water away from the construction area.
Ratu Maika noted that the relocation plans predate the 2021 geohazard event and were originally conceived due to the village’s expanding population. He highlighted that Nadoiviri should be viewed not as a new village but as an extension of Nabavatu, emphasizing that it remains within the village boundaries.
Minister for Rural Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, has confirmed that careful due diligence was conducted in the contractor selection process to ensure quality and reliability in the construction of the new homes. The design incorporates resilience measures to withstand Category 5 cyclones, indicating a thoughtful approach to community safety in Dreketi’s challenging weather conditions.
This ongoing relocation initiative signifies a crucial response to the hardships faced by families displaced by Tropical Cyclone Ana in January 2021, offering them the hope of sustainable living conditions. The project reflects the unwavering resilience of the Nabavatu community and their collective aspiration for improvements in their living environment.
The government’s substantial investment of $5.9 million from the Relocation of Communities Trust Fund underlines a commitment to supporting disaster resilience and rebuilding efforts in Fiji. With the construction underway, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the families preparing to move into their new homes, heralding a hopeful chapter in their journey toward recovery and stability.
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