Environment Ministry acting director Senimili Baleicakau says during relocation of villages, many villagers refuse to move to new village sites because of their attachment to the original site.
“Only certain villagers prefer to move to the new sites,” she said. However, Ms Baleicakau said these people had no choice but to move due to the impact of climate change.
“The old village site is not safe any more for them to live,” she said, adding that before any relocation takes place, a proper environmental impact assessment must be conducted.
“Any community relocation project follows the environmental process,” Ms Baleicakau said.
“Partners assisting the Government with the relocation are also advised to apply for the environmental impact assessment. “This is to assess that the place they are moving to is safe from extreme weather events and to ensure any civil work does not endanger the community further.”
Ms Baleicakau’s comments come after Fiji Roads Authority liaison officer Imanueli Lekenaua had asked what was done to existing infrastructure and land in villages when relocation had been carried.
Mr Lekenaua said the environment was also affected during relocation because trees had to be cut and land cleared. “The ministry should ensure that living organisms are not affected,” he said.
In response, Ms Baleicakau said the law currently involved looking into the development of new sites. “Any species is identified before relocation is undertaken,” she said.
