Saltwater intrusion has become a serious concern for elders of Nasea in Macuata.
The village is located along the coast of Naduri.
Village headman Inia Wele said they had to pile rocks and dead corals along the shore to prevent seawater sipping into the village lawn.
“But it has not helped much and seawater keeps coming into the village lawn, especially during high tide,” he said.
“We are worried because we don’t know what will happen to our children who will continue to live in this village.
“If seawater is already coming into the village lawn now, what will happen when our children are older and their children?”
Mr Wele said when Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa hit the coastal area in December last year, the village was under water.
“The village hall where most of us took shelter in also went under water so most of us moved towards the houses near the road as it sits on higher ground,” he said.
“We have not asked for assistance from any organisation yet but we will eventually do that once the impacts of COVID passes.”
