A portion of Qelekuro village located along the Tailevu coast is facing relocation as sea level rise continues to inundate the village foreshore.

The village seawall no longer serves its purpose as most parts of it have been damaged by the waves.

Village Development Committee Secretary Vilitati Bulago says the seawall is desperate for an upgrade to help mitigate the effect of rising sea level in the village.

“When the easterly wind blows, it brings with it big waves and these waves come into the village and flood the village especially the homes near the shore.”

Commissioner Central Meleti Bainimarama says government has received a request from the village for their seawall upgrade and they will rebuild it.

“The request was put in through the Prime Minister’s Office for funding. It’s now with the National Disaster Management Office for funding next year under Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The total funding for that project is $667,000.”

Villagers planning to build new homes are advised to do so in the elevated areas.

The scoping works for the new seawall has been completed and works are expected to start next year.

Once it is completed, the relocation of the villagers will then be undertaken.