I n the heart of Dreketi, Macuata, a community of resilient souls from Nabavatu Village has emerged from a three-year struggle, finding solace and optimism in a new beginning.
Saturday marks a significant chapter for the 37 families, comprising about 300 people, who have weathered the storms of displacement and hardship.
The ordeal began in 2020 when a landslide, triggered by Tropical Cyclone Ana, forced them out from their ancestral home.
For three years, they sought refuge in the compound of the Assemblies of God Church branch at Savadrua.
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They endured cramped conditions, leaky tents, and lack of privacy.
Their cries for help echoed through the corridors of authorities, but the challenge of finding suitable land delayed their relocation.
No one helped.
They stayed on.
Patiently.
Praying and hoping that one day their hope for a new home will come.
The ray of hope came in the dawn of this new year.
On January 21, last year, Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo, pledged to relocate Nabavatu Village within the year.
Last Friday, this promise materialised as the villagers participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for their new home in Nadoiviri, just metres away from their original village.
The news of this relocation extends beyond more shelter.
It preserves the cultural identity of Nabavatu.
Founded by their forefathers, the new site ensures that their history remains etched in the land given to them by their ancestors.
This sense of belonging is a powerful source of joy for the villagers.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
As the North anticipates exciting development plans announced by Government, Nabavatu villagers are not only getting a new place to call home, but also becoming a part of a larger vision for progress in the North.
Filomena Ramasi, vice-president of the Nabavatu Women’s Club, expressed the elation of the mothers, boasting their plans for subsistence farming to ensure an abundance of food.
With ample land available, the villagers look forward to engaging in farming activities to sustain their households and generate income.
Government has assured a smooth transition, with plans to construct homes costing about $40,000 each, among other initiatives.
Minister for Rural, Maritime Development, and Disaster Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, has promised support, ensuring smooth transition to their site.
Nabavatu’s story resonates with the spirit of resilience and hope.
Nabavatu villagers’ journey is like a triumphant Year 12 student celebrating his exam pass on Wednesday.
He’s from a religious home, but Celion Dion’s ‘I’m Alive’ hit blasted from the speakers after he received news of his pass.
His parents allowed him to celebrate the moment.
His and Nabavatu’s triumph are success stories against the odds which symbolise the feat of a boy and a community over despair.
With the assurance of Government support and the prospect of the Look North Policy bringing further assistance, Nabavatu stands on the brink of a promising future singing ‘Give me Hope Nadoiviri,’ their promised land.
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