The Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna commissioned a fully Reinforced 320 metres Concrete Seawall Structure at Lamini Village, Taveuni yesterday.

Hon. Tunabuna mentioned that Lamini village has been one of the communities at the forefront of climate change, facing stronger storms and rising sea levels.

“The village was under threat from coastal erosion, with waves splashing into the community during regular high tides,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

He said during cyclones, waves over a meter high would sweep into the village grounds, lapping at doorsteps and even entering homes, making it a life-threatening issue.

“The existing seawall built in 1995 was damaged because it was constructed with a boulder masonry wall without a proper foundation. Therefore, the community needs a new seawall for better resilience to climate change,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

Hon. Tunabuna mentioned that studies reveal that Fiji was globally ranked among the top 15 countries with the highest disaster risk in 2021 and the situation will worsen as climate change intensifies.

He added that Fiji has a significant number of coastal dwellers, with over 675,000 people or about 75% of the total population dependent on the coastline.

“The government is committed to pursuing this initiative to reduce the vulnerability of the coastal communities to the pressing impacts of climate change.”

He highlighted the importance of community involvement in protecting themselves by taking ownership of the infrastructure that is in place and planting climate resilience trees, mangroves, and vetiver grass.

The $1.01 million Government funded Fully Reinforced Concrete seawall, stretches for 320 metres and is raised to 2.5 metres to protect the villagers.

-Ends-

• ← Go to all Press Releases