Five families from Vuniniudrovu Village in Naitasiri have moved into new homes after being relocated from an area classified as a high-risk “red zone”.
The homes were officially handed over by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management Mosese Bulitavu during the commissioning of the Vuniniudrovu Community Climate Adaptation Facility (C-CAF) Relocation Project.
The relocation was made possible through grant assistance under a partnership between the Fiji Government and the Global Centre for Climate Mobility.
Vuniniudrovu is one of three communities in Fiji, alongside Macuata-i-Wai and Narata, receiving $200,000 each through the C-CAF initiative.
The programme supports communities particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Bulitavu said the relocation marked an important step towards protecting families exposed to climate-related risks.
He said the five new homes would provide safer and more secure living conditions, particularly during heavy rainfall, flooding and other natural disasters.
However, he reminded residents that completing the relocation project was only the beginning of their responsibility to maintain the new homes.
Mr Bulitavu urged families and community leaders to ensure the houses were properly looked after so they could continue providing safe accommodation for years to come.
He also stressed the importance of disaster preparedness, calling on the village disaster management committee to remain active before, during and after emergencies.
With Fiji currently experiencing dry conditions associated with El Niño, the Minister reminded villagers to conserve water and use available supplies responsibly.
Mr Bulitavu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to assisting vulnerable communities through climate adaptation projects aimed at strengthening resilience and improving living conditions.
The relocation project forms part of wider efforts to help communities facing increasing risks from climate change move to safer locations.
