Villagers of Nadaro in Tailevu are calling on Government to raise the retaining wall alongside the Waisere Creek after their homes were flooded because of heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Ana.
Village headman (turaga ni koro) Manueli Tokabobo said the retaining wall, a Government-funded village protection project commissioned in 2019, was not high enough to stop floodwaters from entering the village.
“This wall was supposed to be our protection, but it is not high enough as now the whole village is flooded,” Mr Tokabobo said.
A fibreglass boat was the mode of transport in the village as people moved about to scan the damage caused by TC Ana.
“There are three families sheltering at our evacuation centre (village hall).
“Many more families wanted to go there, but could not because it was too risky.”
Mr Tokabobo called on Government to raise the retaining wall to prevent further flooding from the Waisere Creek.
“The wall is just above ground level and whenever the creek floods, we are helpless to prevent our village from being inundated with water which can also bring water-borne diseases.”
Mr Tokabobo said two houses were severely damaged by strong winds, but the majority of damage was caused by water entering their homes.
