Nabavatu’s Bright Future: Progress in Community Relocation After Cyclone

The relocation project for Nabavatu Village in Macuata Province is making significant headway, with civil works and housing construction progressing well. This initiative was prompted by the displacement of the community following Tropical Cyclone Ana in 2021, where families have been living in temporary shelters since the disaster.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, provided updates in Parliament regarding the four-phase relocation plan. He highlighted that phase one, which involves essential works such as drainage, road construction, and water access, is nearing completion with 80 percent of the road access finalized and set to be completed by the end of this month.

Engineering Express Limited has been tasked with constructing 37 new homes for the community, with construction starting at the end of last month after finalizing contracts and necessary administrative processes. The goal is to complete these homes by the end of the year. Additionally, the community will benefit from the issuance of free logging licenses by two landowning units, which will facilitate the procurement of timber for construction materials.

The new relocation site will also feature an evacuation center and a church building to support the community’s social and spiritual needs. In a demonstration of commitment, the government is covering the water bills at the community’s temporary site, totaling $7,000 annually.

This project serves not only as a vital step toward restoring stability for families affected by the cyclone but also emphasizes the broader commitment within Fiji to enhance disaster resilience and improve living standards for communities. As the construction progresses, there is a growing sense of hope and anticipation among the families of Nabavatu, marking a brighter future ahead.

These efforts underscore the importance of supportive governmental interventions in times of crisis, showcasing the unity and resilience of the Nabavatu community as they move towards a more secure and sustainable living environment.