RELOCATING and resettling Islanders living on artificial islands in the Lau lagoons from the rising sea levels and other effects of climate change should be one of the priority areas of the new Government when coming into power.
Niuleni artificial island community elder, Abel Satu highlighted this when speaking to Solomon Star on Monday.
Mr Satu said that with the rising sea levels starting to sink not only his island but many others in the Lau lagoons, it is high time that the government look at means of relocating islanders to the mainlands.
“It is evident that our islands in the lagoon are sinking rapidly and yet we have no clue where we will be relocated to despite always hearing previous governments talking of how important climate change and its effects are of concern.
“Instead of talking about the issue why not look at means of negotiating with landowners on the mainland alternatives that can help us the islanders when we relocate from our homes,” Mr Satu said.
Islanders are mostly fishermen built themselves artificial islands to settle on whenever going fishing.
However through the years, more artificial islands have been built and people now settle on the sea and no longer have land on the mainland.
However with the impacts of climate change affecting the sea and coastlines, islanders have been calling on the government to negotiate means in which can help them move ashore after their islands had submerged.
Mr Satu said that this is an area that those wanting to contest the Lau/Mbaelelea seat should look seriously into as it is of great concern.
“For years we have been deceived of casting our ballots to various men who in turn never help us deal with this concern,” Mr Satu said.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
