By Eleanor Gee
The successful relocation of Tukuraki, a Fijian village in the highlands of Ba, Viti Levu, from a disaster prone site to a new area is a prime example of the future of climate resilience, a reality faced by communities vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters in the Pacific. Their new houses were built to withstand Category 5 cyclones.
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At the new site, 11 new houses were built to withstand Category 5 cyclones, with an evacuation centre doubling as a community hall. For water supply, a dam was built to provide water along with 10 storage tanks with filters, and household distribution through piping for clean, safe drinking water. Rainwater harvesting from the rooves were installed as well as a wastewater system leading to a common soakage pit. The homes have an open area with no rooms and an enclosed toilet and bathroom facility.
Since the opening of the new Tukuraki village in October 2017, the villagers have adjusted and settled in their new secure homes. They were visited by Pacific journalists in November, including Matangi Tonga journalist Eleanor Gee.
The village plantation, which provides food and income remains at the old site (a half hour walk away) which the villagers still tend. Sustainable livelihood alternatives were also provided at the new site. These include creating a fishpond with Tilapia Fish, building 15 bee hives for honey production, and a poultry farm. Financial and literacy training was provided as well as handicrafts and weaving.
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