The seawall upgrade in Namoli Village, Lautoka, is poised to alleviate the issue of coastal flooding that has impacted the community. Tevita Uluikavor, the head of Nabaoli Tokatoka, highlighted that heavy rains often lead to seawater spilling over and flooding the village, exacerbated by drainage system deficiencies. He expressed optimism that improvements to both the seawall and drainage systems will effectively mitigate flooding risks.
Village headman Manoa Ravouvou expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his recent visit, during which he confirmed that the upgrade is scheduled for January 2025. Ravouvou noted that climate change has left the current seawall inadequate against rising sea levels, contributing to ongoing flood issues.
During the visit, Prime Minister Rabuka discussed the seawall’s struggle against coastal erosion, which spans 440 meters. He acknowledged the significant impact that seawater encroachment has had on local residents over the years and praised the divisional engineer for their insights into the structural challenges involved. The visit also included a delegation of overseas friends and prayer group members who participated in traditional customs with village leaders.
This proactive approach to upgrading the seawall demonstrates a commitment to community resilience in the face of climate change. The positive collaboration between local leaders and government officials sets a hopeful precedent for future projects aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations against environmental threats.
Overall, the initiative not only aims to enhance the physical infrastructure but also embodies a united effort to protect a community and ensure a safer, more sustainable living environment for the future.
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