Residents of Yavusania village in Nadi are experiencing newfound relief following the completion of a $150,000 riverbank wall designed to shield their homes from the threats of flooding and soil erosion. This vital project was a collaborative effort between the UNDP Small Grants Programme and the Women’s Fund Fiji, initiated by the local organization, Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba.
The villagers have long endured anxiety during heavy rainfall, with the nearby river constantly endangering their homes. In recent years, four houses have succumbed to soil erosion, forcing families to seek new living arrangements amid uncertainty. Adi Sivia Qoro, the President of Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba, shared her concerns about the psychological toll on families, emphasizing that “it affects their health, it affects the education of their children, it affects their safety. Your house is where you belong, and for their houses just to be washed away like that, that’s really traumatic.”
The newly constructed riverbank wall stands as a symbol of security and hope for the community. Village representative Epeli Turuva expressed the collective gratitude felt among residents, stating, “We are grateful that our pleas have been heard, and today we finally see a solution that will keep our families and homes safe.” This initiative not only seeks to protect the villagers’ properties but also aims to restore their sense of dignity and optimism for the future.
To commemorate this milestone, the community held a traditional ceremony, recognizing the riverbank wall as a lasting sign of safety and resilience for generations to come. The donors have reiterated their commitment to building strong community resilience and promoting sustainable development throughout the village.
This project exemplifies a broader movement across Fiji, focusing on strengthening defenses against climate change. Similar initiatives have been observed in other communities, such as Naimalavau, where residents have also received support for seawall construction. The collaborative efforts in Yavusania signal a promising future, as communities unite to enhance their defenses and strive for a safer, more resilient living environment for generations ahead.