“The tent here is old. When it rains it is even worse, the water floods the tent. See the small holes here, I have even used bubble gum to patch it and it helps,” Ms Radua said.
Makeshift tents at Savadra Assemblies of God Church compound on September 5, 2023. Photo: Jone Salusalu
The deplorable makeshift shelter at the relocated Nabavatu Village is serious that villagers use bubble gum to patch water leaks from the roof and floor.
These villagers of Dreketi in Macuata Province were forced to relocate to safety after a landslide swept their original village site during Tropical Cyclone Ana in 2021.
Almost three years on, these villagers are still waiting for news of the relocation effort.
Raising children in makeshift tents seemed unbearable, but for Lusiana Radua, 36, juggling the odd living space is a challenge she tries to adjust.
She said living in a makeshift tent not only made them struggle, but taught them to improvise.
Laisani Matiavi (green) showing the deplorable floor at their makeshift tent at Savadrua Assemblies of God Church compound on September 5, 2023. Photo: Jone Salusalu
“The tent here is old. When it rains it is even worse, the water floods the tent. See the small holes here, I have even used bubble gum to patch it and it helps,” Ms Radua said.
“I can only plead with the Government, when?
“Some of us here have even used metal that we pick from anywhere here to brace the foundation of the tent.
“We have doubled the roof with another cover to avoid the water from coming in but in vain.”
She said Government, together with vanua leaders, must find a final relocation site quickly
When are we relocating?
This is the simple question villagers are still asking, three years on.
The nearly 300 village population with 42 tents are residing on Savadrua Assemblies of God Church compound.
Bubble gum was used to patch up holes. Photo: Jone Salusalu
The Australian government had donated tents to the Fijian Government.
Village headman Viliame Naibono said it often pained him to have to answer villagers’ questions.
Laisani Matiavi, 73, said the state of the makeshift tent becomes uninhabitable during rainy days.
“Going to visit the restroom is even hard for me, now imagine mothers who have just given birth,” she said.
“I’m one of the few elders who relocated here, some have passed on, and one issue that hurts me is seeing that my grandchildren are still living in tents three years on.”
The prolonged discussion on relocation is understood to have surfaced from some land issues.
Earlier this year, when the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo visited that site, he highlighted the need and urgency for relocation.
Mr Vosarogo was approached in Parliament for comment but referred all queries to the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka.
Mr Ditoka said progressive talks into the relocation effort were underway.
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
