SUVA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Major construction works on various coastal protection projects in Fiji will be undertaken to build resilience for coastal communities from the impact of climate-induced coastal erosion, storm surge, and coastal flooding under the Coastal Protection Program.
Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy told parliament on Wednesday that numerous projects have been completed while more projects will be carried out soon.
Reddy said two coastal projects have been completed and have benefited more than 2,000 Fijians living along vulnerable coastlines in Fiji.
He said mitigating floods, coastal erosion and protecting river banks from erosion are the key priority for the Ministry of Waterways and Environment.
"It is obvious that despite all our efforts, we have a long way to go to address coastal and riverbank erosion and protect our infrastructures and provide security to our vulnerable communities."
"Every community, villagers, and settlements will be protected and will be assisted under the Coastal, Drainage and Flood protection program by the current government."
The coastal protection works involve protection of infrastructure from coastal flooding during the storm surge; addressing longshore drift and associated erosion and accretion; allowing for the restoration of the beach, and; more importantly, providing that peace of mind and sense of safety to the villages and community.
Reddy said while this intervention would reduce the exposure of the community and increase people's adaptive capacity, this measure would keep people safe during events within its design capacity.
He urged Fijians to invest in ecosystem-based approaches to further increase people's resilience.
