The planned upgrade of the seawall in Namoli Village, Lautoka, aims to significantly mitigate issues related to coastal flooding. Tevita Uluikavor, head of the Nabaoli Tokatoka, highlighted concerns that during heavy rainfall, seawater frequently overflows and inundates the village. He pointed out that the drainage system exacerbates the flooding when it fails to handle the amount of rainwater effectively, leading to a dangerous intersection of overflowing drains and seawater.
Village headman Manoa Ravouvou expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his recent visit and for the confirmation that the seawall upgrade is slated to begin in January 2025. He emphasized the impact of climate change on the seawall’s effectiveness and the persistent flooding issues faced by the community.
During his visit, Prime Minister Rabuka noted that the seawall, which protects 440 meters of coastline, has struggled with erosion and high tides that threaten to push seawater into the village. He acknowledged the impact this has had on the local population and expressed his appreciation for the insights provided by the divisional engineer on the structural challenges.
Looking ahead, the community is hopeful that these improvements will not only safeguard against current flooding issues but also provide greater protection against future challenges posed by rising sea levels. The proactive measures taken reflect a commitment to enhancing resilience in the face of climate-related adversities.
In summary, the planned seawall upgrade represents a significant step towards protecting Namoli Village from ongoing flooding issues, reflecting the community’s resilience and commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change.
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