CLIMATE change is one of the pressing issues affecting communities within the Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency in Western Province.
That’s one of the issues highlighted by one of the candidates contesting the Gizo-Kolombangara Seat, Dr Vaeno Vigulu during his recent campaign at the Gizo market.
He said many communities along the coast have been affected by rising sea-level brought about by climate change.
The former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry and Research said climate change is an issue that continues to affect coastal communities in the constituency, especially in Gizo.
Dr Vigulu added that the issue is one of the pressing ones that need to be addressed because of its economic and social impacts on people’s livelihood in the long term.
Within the constituency, most communities are situated along the coast and the threat from the rising sea-level is obvious.
As observed by Solomon Star, many communities on islands near Gizo are affected.
At Babanga island, increasing threat from high tides has resulted in coastal erosion, causing sections of the shoreline to be submerged.
Opposite Gizo town, the community of Nusabaruku is adversely affected by rising sea-level.
Ongoing hightides are affecting many homes.
For many residents, there is no where else to relocate because most land are owned either the Western Provincial Government or the Commissioner of Lands.
Because of this situation, many families are facing an uncertain future.
Dr Vigulu, who hails from Kolombangara, had resigned from his job to contest in this year’s NGE.
He holds a doctorate in forestry.
Since the campaign period opened, he visited communities to conduct his campaign.
A total of eight candidates are contesting the Gizo-Kolombangara Seat.
The country goes to the poll this Wednesday.
By MOFFAT MAMU
