The village of Buretu in Tailevu has seen a significant development in its disaster preparedness with the official opening of a new community evacuation center. Completed at a cost of $220,000 and funded by the government, this upgraded Buretu Community Hall will serve as a vital refuge during natural disasters, ensuring that villagers no longer need to seek shelter in neighboring communities.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, commissioned the facility, highlighting its importance in safeguarding lives and the community’s resilience against climate change. The project included retrofitting the existing hall, enhancing sanitation facilities, and strengthening the structure to meet disaster safety standards.
“The success of projects like this depends on the continued partnership between the Government, community leaders, and the people themselves. Development can only be sustained when we all take responsibility for protecting and maintaining what we have been given,” Ditoka stated during the inauguration.
The newly enhanced center not only provides a safe space during cyclones and floods but also underscores the ongoing commitment of the Fijian government to improve living conditions and disaster readiness in rural areas. Similar evacuation centers have been inaugurated in other Tailevu villages, including Daku and Nabouciwa, each serving to empower local communities and ensuring they are equipped to handle the increasing threat of natural disasters.
Residents have expressed optimism that these centers will create safer environments and foster a sense of community, bringing hope and reassurance as Fiji faces the challenges posed by climate-related events. The consistent development of these facilities signals a proactive approach to disaster management, reflecting the shared responsibility between the government and communities in building a resilient future.