Five families in Vuniniudrovu Village, Naitasiri, have moved into safer homes after being relocated from an area vulnerable to flooding and other natural disasters.
The families received their new homes following the completion of the Vuniniudrovu Community Climate Adaptation Facility Relocation Project.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management Mosese Bulitavu officially handed over the homes.
Bulitavu says the families previously lived in a high-risk area classified as a red zone, where they faced threats from heavy rainfall, flooding and other natural disasters.
He says the relocation will provide the families with a safer and more secure living environment.
The project is supported through a partnership between the Fiji Government and the Global Centre for Climate Mobility.
Vuniniudrovu is one of three communities in Fiji, alongside Macuata-i-Wai and Narata, receiving $200,000 each under the programme.
Bulitavu says the relocation is an important step towards protecting vulnerable families from the impacts of climate change.
He is also reminding the families to maintain their new homes to ensure they remain safe and secure in the years ahead.
The Minister is urging the village disaster management committee to remain active and ensure residents are prepared for emergencies.
Bulitavu is also calling on villagers to conserve water as Fiji continues to experience dry conditions, which he links to El Niño.
He says the Government remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities, improving their living conditions and strengthening their ability to prepare for natural disasters and the effects of climate change.
