Residents of Daku Village on Kia Island, Macuata, are appealing to the Government to build a seawall to protect their community.
This request comes as the villagers face the ongoing threat of climate change.
Joana Finau, spokesperson for the Daku Emergency Development Committee, emphasized that coastal erosion poses a serious threat to their way of life, with their homes potentially at risk.
Ms. Finau stated that a well-constructed seawall could mitigate the erosion.
“Our land is being washed away by the sea. Climate change is a threat we face every day,” she said.
Her husband, Apikuku Finau, highlighted the urgency by noting, “The lives of the 11 households are now at stake.”
“The seawall can assist in stopping the sea from reaching our homes,” he added.
Ms. Finau pointed out that the development committee has prioritized this project, alongside addressing the water crisis and building an evacuation center.
Though currently in the United States, she stressed the urgency, saying, “Every day a bit of the coastline is washed away, we urgently want Government help.”
“There is a programme devoted to seawall construction, and we ask if our village can be included.”
Ms. Finau also suggested that more awareness campaigns be conducted by the responsible ministry to educate coastal villages about the challenges of climate change.