Climate change threat – Chief pleads for sea wall to battle future storm surge

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The people of Daviqele, Kadavu, are in the grips of a climate crisis, says Turaga Na Tui Nabukelevu Ratu Apakuki Nanovo.

He said the livelihoods of his people were threatened daily by the severe impacts of climate change, with storm surges destroying the village coastline.

“Every day, my people wake up to the rise in sea level and coastal erosion all because of climate change,” Ratu Apakuki said.

“A few weeks ago, storm surges hit the coastline near the village of Daviqele and seawater came onto the road, right into the village and destroyed the village green and plants.

“I am pleading with the Government to construct a seawall in Daviqele and all the other villages that have been severely affected by climate change in Nabukelevu.

“As the traditional chief, I cannot sleep well at night because I am worried about what will happen in maybe 10 years’ time, some houses could end up in the sea.

“Twenty years ago, the impact of climate change was not evident in the village, but now it’s right at our doorstep.

“Just imagine what could happen ten years from now, I think we will be forced to relocate, our villages will be underwater, and this situation will get worse.

“One village in our district, Tabuya, people have moved their houses inland close to the road because of severe coastal erosion.”

In Daviqele Village, Ratu Apakuki said some houses are inundated with seawater during inclement weather because the sea level was rising rapidly.

In response, Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Minister Inia Seruiratu said the climate change issue was consistent throughout Fiji.

“We are well aware of the impacts of climate change and the priority is for those that have suffered significantly,” he said.

The village’s main source of income is fishing, yaqona and dalo farming. The tikina of Nabukelevu consists of 11 villages, Daviqele, Tabuya, Muaninuku, Lomaji, Talaulia, Dagai, Nasau, Nabukelevu-i-ra, Qalaira, Kabariki and Levuka.

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