Cabinet today has approved a further extension to the Agreement of Cooperation between the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, and the United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN-Habitat) until 31st May 2024.
They say the Agreement is to implement a project called ‘Increasing the resilience of informal urban settlements in Fiji that are highly vulnerable to climate change and disaster risks’.
Cabinet further says the project addresses the increase in frequency and intensity of extreme events such as flooding, droughts, cyclones and long-term sea-level rise that negatively impacts informal settlements.
The 16 communities to be assisted under the Project include Bilo, Kalekana, Qauia, Vuniivi, Wailekutu and Wainivokai in Lami, Kulukulu, Vunikavika in Sigatoka, California, Naqiroso, Nasoata, Taiperia, Veidogo, Vunato in Lautoka and Korociri and Nawajikuma in Nadi.
The Ministry of Local Government and Housing has completed community profiling for these 16 informal urban settlements.
The UN-Habitat will provide US$2.79 million under the no cost extension of the Agreement for the implementation of various capital projects in the 16 communities.
These projects include construction of retaining structures near mangroves,coastal protection structures, storm water drainage network, improved footpaths, covered meeting areas, pedestrian bridges, provision of garbage containers, measures to improve solid waste management, construction of sanitation, and installation of rainwater harvesting tanks.
