Speech
Sitiveni Rabuka  ·  2026-08-18 07:23

Minister for Information updates parliament on planned seawall and coastal protection projects

Thank you, honorable speaker. I thought he was going to ask me about Ra, but I'm glad he's also covered Lau. Honorable speaker, the direct answer is that there are currently no confirmed seawall or coastal protection construction projects for the Lau Group in the 2026-2027 financial year. However, Lau is not being overlooked. The coastal protection works are prioritized and implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways. More than 160 coastal communities across Fiji have requested assistance, far exceeding the resources currently available. That is why government is actively pursuing climate finance from our development partners. Through the Adaptation Fund, Fiji has secured $5.7 million for this for the strengthening the adaptive capacity of coastal communities through nature-based seawalls project. This will deliver approximately 4.3 km of nature-based seawalls across 14 high-risk communities in Macuata, the Cakaudrove, Nadroga-Navosa, Ra, and Lomaiviti. But, our work does not stop with those 14 communities. For Lau specifically, discussions are already underway for Ono-i-Lau Island in the tikina of Vulaga. The Department of Climate Change is working with the provincial [snorts] administrator of Lau and the Department of Waterways to identify funding for a nature-based seawall. Honorable speaker, our approach must be based on risk, science, and the needs of communities. Earlier this year, we submitted to cabinet 43 communities prioritized for detailed climate risk assessments, including three communities in Lau, Waiqele, Avea, and Lomolomo. These assessments will determine whether communities can be protected through seawalls and other adaptation measures or whether planned relocation may ultimately be necessary. This is important, honorable speaker. Relocation is always the last option. Our first priority is to help communities remain safely on their land wherever that is possible. The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways leads coastal protection works while our ministry supports this through Fiji's national adaptation plan and by securing the climate finance necessary to turn identified priorities into projects. So, to conclude, there is no confirmed Lau seawall construction in this year's program, but there is active work underway. Ogea is being progressed, Waidiwadi, Avea, and Lomolomo are being assessed, and we will continue pursuing climate finance for vulnerable communities throughout Lau. Our islands may be on the frontline of climate change, but they will not be at the back of the line when it comes to climate action. Thank you, honorable speaker.