Nikhil Aiyush Kumar 
Construction of new homes for the Nabavatu community is finally moving forward.
It comes nearly five years after a landslide forced families to leave their village in 2020.
Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima said 16 of the 37 planned houses should reach beam level by the end of this month with four already completed to that stage.
Another 11 homes are at the flooring stage and some are moving to block laying.
These are expected to reach beam level by mid-2026.
He said the delay was due to the need for safe and suitable land and detailed geological assessments by the Mineral Resources Department and other agencies.
Rainima is urging villagers to stay patient as work continues and says safety remains a key concern during the cyclone season.
Evacuation plans have been put in place for Maramarua School and the upgraded church, which will serve as shelters if needed.
The Relocation Unit with support from GIZ has also distributed non-food relief items to families still living in temporary shelters.
Nabavatu Village Headman Moriti Kaiwaqawaqa states life in tents has been difficult but construction has resumed after earlier delays caused by heavy rain.
He adds that progress is steady and villagers are hopeful they will move into their new homes soon.
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