Climate change worsens problems around the world, but on a small coastal village called Narikoso in Ono, Kadavu the problems are felt much more intimately.
Village Headman Sakeasi Bola has revealed that the effects of rising sea level were evident and upon arrival in Narikoso village, one could see waves crashing against the edge of the homes.
The church on the current village site [Photo: Germany Agency for International Cooperation]
Bola says that the sea level was much further out before and houses were always safe from water coming in during high tide, now it is not the case.
Bola has asked for help from the government and successfully collaborated with different people to arrange a relocation of the entire village of Narikoso.
Sea level rise causing coastal inundation has forced the relocation of seven households in Narikoso Village.
The relocation initiative is supported by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management in partnership with the European Union.
The European Union through Germany Agency for International Cooperation has allocated a total project budget of $1.609 million while government has allocated $250,000.
The new village site [Photo: Germany Agency for International Cooperation]
The Ministry for Rural and Maritime Development has revealed in a statement that before houses can be relocated, prerequisite ground assessment need to be conducted adding that the site layout plans nealso need to be drawn and an Environmental Impact Assessment needs to be approved.
It has also highlighted that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services will vet the site layout plans and approve or decline the proposed site layout.
When all the aforementioned criteria are satisfied the procurement of building materials and construction can begin.
The Rural and Maritime Development Ministry has stated that the project has completed all necessary ground assessments for Narikoso village with the aim to begin construction in November, 2018.
