“If the sea defense is done and we reclaim our lands, then we can stay here. Then they will come back.”
Biography
David is a fisherman who has lived his entire life in Agavedzi, close to the shoreline. He has witnessed the gradual destruction of the community since 2016, when the sea began advancing and washing away houses. His life, work, and identity are deeply connected to the ocean. As one of the oldest fishermen in the area, he provides a long-term perspective on how coastal erosion and tidal waves have changed daily life, destroyed property, and challenged the survival of the entire community. He speaks calmly and reflectively about a crisis that has stretched over almost a decade and continues today.
Before the flood
Before the most recent tidal wave, David was already living in a community marked by continuous coastal erosion. According to him, the sea had been destroying houses and land since 2016, slowly moving inland and consuming the coastline piece by piece. Life was centered around fishing, and families lived close to the shore because their livelihoods depended on it. Even before the flood, many people had already lost parts of their homes and were living with constant uncertainty
During the flood
During the storm tide, David describes how the sea devastated most of the village. Large numbers of homes were washed away, and hundreds of people were displaced in a matter of hours. Many families had no choice but to move in with relatives across the lagoon. The destruction was sudden and overwhelming, leaving behind collapsed buildings and submerged foundations. The water’s force scattered debris into the sea, making fishing dangerous and unpredictable.
After the flood
After the water receded, the consequences became even clearer. David explains that fishing became extremely difficult because the remains of destroyed buildings were now lying underwater, catching their nets and damaging their equipment. Life did not return to normal, as many people had still not received help and continued relying on relatives for shelter. He emphasizes that the only real protection the community has is the sea defense wall, which, although helpful, is not complete and therefore cannot fully secure their homes or livelihoods.
Thought's about the future
David’s view of the future depends entirely on whether the sea defense project will be completed. For him, the only hope is that the coastline will be stabilized and land can be reclaimed so that people can return to their homes. He believes that once the barrier is finished, the community will be able to rebuild their lives. Without it, he fears that the sea will continue to take more land, making long-term recovery impossible.
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Role:
Fisherman -
Age:
62 -
Town:
Agavedzi -
Interview Date:
2025-03-10