TWELVE years after being relocated because of the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels, residents of Vunidogoloa are still waiting for several basic facilities at their new settlement.
Former village headman Sailosi Ramatu said the community continued to face a number of outstanding needs, including a proper road, church, playground, farmland and community hall.
“We are in need of a road, church, playground, farmland and a community hall,” he said.
He said the facilities were essential to helping residents rebuild their lives following the village’s relocation in 2014.
Mr Ramatu said proper roads and footpaths were particularly important for elderly residents and people living with disabilities. He said villagers had also contributed about $260,000 from their own pockets towards the construction of a church.
“A playground has also been requested for our young people to play sports and maintain community activities.”
The concerns were acknowledged by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu. He said the issues raised by the community would be considered under the Government’s relocation programs and the revised relocation approach would allow Government agencies to work directly with communities and village headmen to identify their priority needs.
Mr Bulitavu said the matter would be discussed with the divisional planning officer to determine possible ways of addressing the outstanding needs.
