Rising Sea Levels Drive Coastal Families Inland
As climate change accelerates, rising sea levels and increasingly unpredictable high tides are forcing coastal families worldwide to seek refuge inland. In Samoa, this trend is particularly visible in the Aiga-I-Le-Tai District, where families are leaving low-lying coastal areas to ensure the safety of their loved ones. According to the 2021 census, this district, home to 5,880 people, represents 3% of Samoa's population. Aiga-I-Le-Tai is part of the 70% of Samoans residing in coastal regions now vulnerable to climate impacts.
The NASA Sea Level Team reports that global sea levels have risen 31 cm over the past three decades and may rise another 82 cm by 2100 under a 3.0°C warming scenario. The stark realities of these projections are evident in abandoned homes and communities relocating inland for safety.
The Role of Infrastructure in Supporting Displaced Communities
The shift inland has created a pressing need for improved infrastructure to connect displaced families with essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment. Leiataua Peti Taligapi’i, Executive Officer for the Aiga-I-Le-Tai District Council, underscores the importance of roads in enabling safe, sustainable living for these communities.
Through Samoa’s District Development Program (DDP), inland roads have become a lifeline for these families. The initiative, which allocates $1 million annually to each district, has funded the construction of five inland roads in Aiga-I-Le-Tai, with an additional eight planned. These roads allow better access to services and improve the quality of life for hundreds of families.
Community Benefits and Testimonials
For residents like Filisika Manuia, improved road conditions mean safer and faster transportation. “We had to repair our car so many times due to bad roads,” she explained. Thanks to the new infrastructure, families like hers now have reliable access to healthcare and other critical services.
Similarly, Tulagalua Apineru, a mother of five, expressed gratitude for the new roads after waiting two decades for improvements. “It’s a relief for my elderly mother,” she shared, emphasising the importance of these developments for vulnerable family members.
The roads have also spurred economic and social benefits. Families are renovating homes and accessing plantations more easily, creating a foundation for future growth.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its successes, the road construction project faced challenges. Building costs exceeded $100,000 for some roads, with longer routes costing over $200,000. To address these expenses, the district council collaborated with the Land Transport Authority to select cost-effective contractors, ultimately partnering with Mr. Digger Civil Works and Construction.
Safety concerns also emerged as improved roads led to increased vehicle speeds. To mitigate risks, the district council partnered with village councils to enforce speed limits and fines, ensuring road safety for all users.
Sustainable Practices and Broader Development
The district council’s approach goes beyond infrastructure. Investments in education, agriculture, fisheries, and health aim to provide long-term benefits to the community. Women’s committees have also received funding to empower local women and enhance community resilience.
The Way Forward
The Aiga-I-Le-Tai District Council aims to extend these development efforts beyond the initial five-year DDP period, calling for continued government support and international aid. “It is vital for the government to provide direct budget support,” emphasised Leiataua, highlighting the transformative impact of local infrastructure investments.
For the families of Aiga-I-Le-Tai, the new roads are more than just pathways—they are symbols of hope and resilience. By securing safe living conditions and fostering community development, Samoa is building a safer, more sustainable future in the face of climate change.
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