Difference between revisions of "Ufanua"

Latest revision as of 18:08, 23 September 2007

Ufanua is the capital and largest village of Pa'atua. It once housed over 500 people (just over half the country's population), and contained most of the nation's modern conveniances - including the only airport, "supermarket", bank, police station, court, grocery store, hotel, bar and government offices.

Today, with the population having resettled on Los'vi, none of these services and conveniances remain open. Ufanua has become essentially a ghost town, with only twenty-four residents remaining. The latter live a subsistence lifestyle, growing vegetable produce in gardens, and fishing.

The village is partially flooded at high tide, due to the rising seas resulting from global climate change.

Just outside Ufanua are ruins of sixth century stone structures, built from imported stone - an early attempt at urbanisation in this tiny counntry, and a historical curiosity.

Ufanua formerly had a mayor, appointed by the national Fono, and who also served as the nation's sole judge. These positions are no longer occupied.

Images

• the country's only church, which doubles as a school
• Pa'atua's grocer's shop, in Ufanua
• flooding in Ufanua
• Ufanua seen from the skies, with the runway of Ufanua International Airport (UFA)
• sixth century ruins, a national historical treasure
• the location of Ufanua in Pa'atua

See also

• Ufanua Fo'u