To mitigate the risk of climate-related coastal erosion and flooding in the village of Daliconi in Vanuabalavu, Lau, a nature-based seawall has been constructed along the village coastline boundary.

The $32,000 government-funded project, which will benefit 48 households of Daliconi was commissioned by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Vatimi Rayalu during his visit to the island.

Hon. Minister said the commissioning of the project illustrates the government’s commitment to keeping Fijians safe on mainland and maritime islands.

“The commissioning of this coastal protection infrastructure signals the way forward Fiji is taking to keeping Fijians safe from the wrath of climate change,” he said.

The nature-friendly coastal protection project is designed to protect the Daliconi Village, which is at risk from rising sea levels.

He said immediate action is needed to address and reduce the impact of coastal inundation that damages the infrastructure and causes threats to the villagers.

Hon. Rayalu said the seawall also promotes socio-economic development, creating opportunities for investment by providing a coastal defence system.

The project is also aligned with maintaining, adapting, and constructing a sea wall and drainage infrastructure to reduce saltwater intrusion into the land.

Daliconi village headman Tuta Tuinayau thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for the initiative to save and protect the village.

“We are lucky that the Government has intervened in the construction of the village seawall to combat the effects of climate change the village is facing,” said Tuinayau.

“The villagers are rest assured that this will provide a sense of security and relief to them who have been facing coastal flooding.”

The coastal protection in Daliconi village was built using local materials and boulders from the island. It offers multi-layer protection, with an integrated nature-based solution to protect the 1st and 3rd layers.

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