MORE than 160 coastal communities across Fiji have sought Government assistance for coastal protection, far exceeding the resources currently available, Parliament was told yesterday.
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya said there were currently no confirmed seawall or coastal protection construction projects for the Lau Group in the 2026-2027 financial year.
However, she said Lau was not being overlooked, with Government actively pursuing climate finance to support vulnerable communities.
Discussions are underway for a nature-based seawall on Ogea Island in the Tikina of Fulaga, while Waciwaci, Avea and Lomaloma have been included among 43 communities prioritised for detailed climate risk assessments.
The assessments will determine whether communities can be protected through seawalls and other adaptation measures, or whether relocation may eventually be necessary.
Ms Tabuya said Fiji had secured $5.7million through the Adaptation Fund for nature-based seawalls, with about 4.3 kilometres planned across 14 high-risk communities in Macuata, Cakaudrove, Nadroga/Navosa, Ra and Lomaiviti.
She said relocation remained the last option, with Government first seeking ways to help communities remain safely on their land.
On Waciwaci, Ms Tabuya said the assessment would also determine whether the village school needed to be relocated, in consultation with the Ministry of Education.
