The seawall upgrade is expected to significantly reduce the risk of sea and coastal inundation affecting Namoli Village in Lautoka. Tevita Uluikavor, head of the Nabaoli Tokatoka, highlighted that heavy rain often results in seawater overflowing and flooding the village. He pointed out that drainage issues exacerbate the problem, with overflow from drains mingling with seawater during storms.
Uluikavor expressed hope that the project will effectively address these flooding concerns. Village headman Manoa Ravouvou thanked Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his recent visit, during which they received confirmation that the seawall upgrade is scheduled for January 2025. Ravouvou noted that climate change has significantly impacted their coastlines, leading to frequent flooding, and he remains optimistic about the impending improvements.
During his visit, Prime Minister Rabuka, alongside friends from a prayer group, engaged with community leaders and emphasized the seawall’s role in protecting the village from coastal erosion. The existing seawall, which stretches 440 meters, has struggled to prevent seawater from encroaching into the village at high tide, causing ongoing challenges for residents.
Rabuka expressed gratitude to the divisional engineer for their insights into the structural issues affecting the seawall, and he further articulated a plan to enhance the seawall to safeguard the community against rising sea levels in the future. This project is a vital step toward ensuring the safety and sustainability of Namoli Village.
As climate challenges continue to impact coastal communities, the upgrade of the seawall symbolizes hope and resilience, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of those living in vulnerable areas.
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