Lautoka- My government is committed to protecting Fijians from rising sea levels, all along our country’s more than 1,100 kilometres of shoreline.
This was the reassurance made by the Prime Minister Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama while commissioning the newly-built seawall in Namoli Village this morning.
“Fijians living in Namoli know this too well, as a seaside community, you have lived off the bounty of our seas for generations,” he said.
“But you’re also all too familiar with both the ocean’s immense potential and its power and due to climate change, that power has been felt even more severely in recent years, putting your lives and livelihoods at risk.
“You all can see this change with your own eyes, and science backs up the experiences you live every day. Information collected by satellites shows that, since 1993, sea levels in Fiji have risen by about six millimetres per year about double the global average.”
The new seawall stretches across 440 metres of shoreline, and is built to a standard aimed at maximum protection from coastal erosion.
“The stone-masonry seawall structure includes a pitching drain with a culvert to protect Namoli village, an ambitious project that came in at a government investment of more than $700, 000,” Prime Minister Bainimarama added.
“The project will be complemented with what we call a “nature-based solution” and this is the planting of mangroves that will provide a first line of defence from coastal erosion and sea level rise. By tapping into nature, the future of Namoli will be more environmentally-friendly and more secure, helping both your people and the planet alike.
“I thank the Minister and the Ministry of Waterways for spearheading this initiative and for the newfound security that it will grant your community for years to come.”
The Head of Government also shared with the villagers how his government tackled the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
“Lautoka was where our first case of the virus was identified, we acted quickly to stop the virus in its tracks, sparing Fiji from the tragic loss of life seen in other nations,” he said.
“As of last Friday, Fiji is among the few countries on earth with no active cases of COVID-19, and all of our patients have made full recoveries, a result that ranks as an all-time great Fijian achievement.
“The virus continues to rage around the world, but here at home, we must continue to be vigilant and keep the healthy habits that have been at the heart of Fiji’s success.”
The villagers have sincerely thanked the Prime Minister and his government for the great assistance which will benefit not only the present generation but their descendants in years to come.
Ends.
