A NEW site has been confirmed for the relocation of 500 villagers of Nabavatu, Dreketi in Macuata.

Village headman Viliame Naibono said the new site was opposite Maramarua Primary School, behind a chain of shops in Dreketi.

“This land has been given to us by the Vunivalu of Dreketi, Ratu Maika Rokobatidua, and we will build 85 new houses for our villagers,” he said.

“The land was actually given many years ago to the school, but after this situation our chief met with the school management and they have agreed to give it to the villagers.

“At this stage, we continue to have meetings with government officials which have been good because it has helped speed up the process of our relocation.”

The meetings, he said included discussions on the construction of the 85 houses.

“We have asked Government to build our houses, but that is being discussed right now.”

“Some families have remained in the village while the rest of us are in our tents at the AOG church compound.”

Mr Naibono said they had started clearing the new site and hoped villagers could move to the new site soon.