The negative impact of rising sea level is affecting many coastal communities around Solomon Islands.
The community of Ughele on South Rendova, Western Province is no exception because the negative consequences of the rising sea level has resulted in coastal erosion posing threat to critical infrastructure.
Two of these key critical infrastructure involves a bridge and a clinic.
They are now at the mercy of rising sea level and king tides.
Early this month, the Solomon Star had observed and witnessed first-hand how sea-level rise negatively impacted on these two infrastructure and will continue to pose a threat in the long term.
The bridge connects Kobi 1 & 2 zones to Buruku 1 & Buruku 2 zones.
Villagers also use the bridge to access internet services because its one of the highest position at the village.
The stairway of the bridge at the western side was destroyed by sea-level rise, king tides and floods from a river that runs under the bridge.
Ughele also hosts a wharf, school, church, and clinic.
According to Grace (Guresi) Paza, who lives near the bridge, sea-level rise is a real threat to the infrastructure and her dwelling home.
She told Solomon Star that sea intrusion reaches her house and even runs under her house.
A seawall was erected in front of her house last year which helped to reduce the level of sea-intrusion into her compound.
Grace is not sure what the future holds for her because of the impact of coastal erosion.
The Ughele clinic is under a threat from the rising sea level as it is located close to the coast.
The Solomon Star observed during the New Year that its seawall has been cracked by waves and king tides.
The clinic provides basic health services to more than 4,000 people in Wards 18 and 19 in North and South Rendova.
The clinic was funded by the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening under its Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP).
The Phase 1 rehabilitation construction work carried out by Zome Enterprises which commenced in January 2015 and concluded in June 2016.
Phase 2 work was carried out by WKT Services from 21 April 2020 to 9 June 2020.
Climate change mitigation action is now needed to protect the Ughele Clinic and Bridge.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
