PM advises Sawani villagers to relocate and not to leave it to the last minute

Sawani villagers in Naitasiri have been advised to relocate if they see that landslides is a continuous issue at the Waimanu River.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama highlighted this in a talanoa session during the Naitasiri Provincial Council meeting after Vuna District representative Seveci Tavaga sought assistance from Bainimarama for the construction of a concrete seawall.

Tavaga says five families have relocated and river landslide has been an issue. He says if there is another flood, they will lose their village to a landslide.

While responding to Tavaga's request, Bainimarama says the villagers should look at what is best and relocation is the safest decision.

He says this should not be left to the last minute..

The Ministry of Waterways says they have conducted a survey and are waiting for a report from relevant stakeholders on the stability of the land where the village sits.