I was greatly puzzled on the timing of diverting $300,000 from the National Disaster Management Office for the construction of Kumi Village sea wall in Verata, Tailevu.

While we all applaud the height and the size of this particular sea wall, I have a few questions that need to be answered by the authorities concerned.

Why NDMO should divert this large amount to a particular village at a time when thousands of Fijians in hundreds of villages and settlements are suffering under leaked tents, partly damaged shelters and damaged schools?

When civil societies, NGOs and faith-based organisations continue to deliver foodstuff, medical assistance, deliver chainsaws and generators, burying the debris and provide counselling services to thousands of our citizens in the past 12 months, how could the Minister for Agriculture and Disaster Management find it right to direct such a large amount towards the building of a village sea wall?

Can the honourable minister guarantee us that the same amount will be directed to hundreds of vulnerable coastal villages in the coming months?