The issue was raised by Sami Veleko, a representative of the New Relocation Site, during the Fijian Media Association’s pre-COP31 Climate Change Town Hall at Nukubalavu Village.
Veleko says it has been five years since residents moved into the tents and the prolonged stay has contributed to a high incidence of poverty, while access to basic services and other necessities remains a challenge.
He also questioned the follow-up between the media, Government and communities after journalists visit and report on the challenges faced by people living in temporary accommodation.
Veleko raised concerns about the new relocation site at Nadoiviri, questioning whether the area will remain suitable in the future given the impacts of climate change and rising water levels.
He also called for more tents and assistance to improve the current living conditions, saying the tents were intended to be temporary accommodation.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Mosese Bulitavu says he was hearing the specific concerns about the tents for the first time since taking office.
Bulitavu says Government has been focusing on the relocation, with the first 37 houses expected to be handed over around October or by the end of the year.
He says there have been delays because of the availability of building materials, while some workers employed by contractors from Bangladesh also staged a protest several months ago.
Bulitavu says the roofs are now going up and construction is progressing at the new Nadoiviri site.
He says land negotiations with landowners and a geotechnical survey by the Ministry of Lands and Minerals were also among the factors that contributed to the delays.
Bulitavu says the geotechnical survey was necessary to ensure the ground is suitable to support the structures being built.
On the request for more tents, Bulitavu says Government will look at providing additional tents and other assistance, while some wooden planks in existing tents have already been replaced where possible.
He says Government has to balance improving the conditions for those currently living in tents with completing the permanent homes so they can move into decent accommodation.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says the Public Accounts Committee report showed that 37 homes had been completed for Nabavatu.
Kamikamica says those 37 homes have now been completed and were not completed when the current Government came into office.
He says additional homes have also been requested and are being considered by Government, but further land negotiations and geotechnical surveys are required.
fijivillage News Director and Fijian Media Association Executive Vijay Narayan questioned what Government is doing to ensure people are not left living in tents for years following future relocations.
Narayan says the fact that people have been living in tents for five years after TC Yasa is unacceptable, regardless of which Government is in power.
Bulitavu says the Nabavatu situation provides important lessons for future relocation programmes.
He says Government will meet with officials in Labasa, including the Commissioner Northern Division and Divisional Planning Officers, to assess the current needs of the community.
Bulitavu says the aim is to immediately address some of the issues faced by residents while they remain in the tents before they move into their permanent homes.
He says Government will also look at working with relevant authorities and agencies, including the United Nations, to assist with the required support.
