Andra island community builds sea wall against tides to protect soccer field

Residents of Andra Island in Manus Province are building a sea wall to protect their village from destructive king tides.

The idea came from organizers of the Daniel Shield, a biannual soccer tournament that attracts teams from across Manus.

After previous king tides, youth leaders and tournament organizers decided to build the sea wall to prevent future flooding and reclaim land that had washed away.

Mark Nolih, an Islander advocating on climate change issues, said they submitted a proposal to the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) seeking financial support for the sea wall program.

"It is a sporting attraction in Manus. The group mainly youth leaders and soccer enthusiasts decided to build the sea wall purposely to protect their soccer field prior to the tournament that's coming up in December." He said.

They started the project because king tides struck during previous tournaments in December 2016 and 2021. The high water flooded the community center, the playing fields, and the entire island.

"Despite the high-water intervention into the playing fields, the youths continue with the tournament and remove debris and stuff on the field every time the invading waters washes back into the seas." Nolih said.

James Pokiris Jnr, the tournament Vice President, said the tides were devastating, affecting people's livelihoods and the popular soccer tournament.

"We started the project with a group of youths and volunteers, and with their enthusiasm, they had a majority of the Islanders joining in to give a helping hand, making the mammoth task on hand manageable, Pokiris said.

The biggest challenge was money. They had to use their own funds to complete the sea wall section protecting the soccer field.

"Transporting mangrove logs from the mainland to the island and sea rocks and corals from ocean bed to the project site is not easy. They needed to pay for zoom, and logistics required to ensure the required materials are available and in place," he said.

Pokiris clarified that parts of the island have sea walls, but the entire island is not yet covered. Islanders want to build more sea walls but are limited by financial constraints.

Andra Island is exotic but is not a major tourist spot and only receives occasional visits.

Anthony Kalou, a local teacher, confirmed a proposal was sent to the NFA seeking financial support for the sea wall.

"Andra Island is very exotic as other islands in the small island province but it is not listed as a tourist hotspot as there are no tourist visits." he said.