25 villages are listed for coastal protection work this year by the Ministry of Waterways and Environment.

Minister Responsible, Dr Mahendra Reddy revealed in Parliament that four villages have been awarded contracts and two have already started with developments.

Dr Reddy says contracts have been given to Lamini village in Taveuni, Namoli village in Lautoka, Navolau village in Ra and Rukurukulevu village in Sigatoka.

Responding to a question from the opposition on the duration of the projects – the Minister says that these things need time as they’re dealing with taxpayers money.

“It takes months. It takes a year or over that to get to the stage where you offer a contract. As I have alluded to Bau Island – we advertised three times. We’ve been through the entire process, scoping and tender documents and all those. But no bidder. So all these things need to be noted when someone says why these projects have taken so long. It’s because due diligence must be given whenever you’re doing a project which involves taxpayers money.”

He says the government is committed to protecting communities that are vulnerable and they’re willing to put in the resources needed.

The Minister says they also have to look at long-term sustainable solutions which are eco-friendly.