Telecom Fiji is joining forces with government agencies and industry partners to bolster Fiji’s multi-hazard early warning capabilities, with the goal of providing timely and clear disaster alerts across various communication mediums. This initiative underscores a pivotal commitment to safeguarding lives, as highlighted by Telecom Fiji’s CEO, Charles Goundar, who stressed the necessity of having reliable networks to facilitate swift dissemination of critical alerts when communities need them most.
Doris Susau, the Country Director for Live & Learn Fiji, remarked on the importance of merging technical expertise with community resilience initiatives. This collaboration aims to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure the safety of communities during emergencies. Key stakeholders involved in this project include the National Disaster Risk Management Office, the Fiji Meteorological Service, and various telecommunications providers.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the implementation of the Common Alerting Protocol, which will enable alerts to be disseminated simultaneously through channels such as SMS, radio, television, mobile applications, websites, and sirens. Telecom Fiji will assess existing systems to identify infrastructure gaps and devise solutions to ensure timely alerts for the community.
Anticipated outcomes encompass readiness assessments, technical designs, and phased investment plans intended to strengthen Fiji’s disaster response capabilities. Financial backing for the initiative comes from the Governments of India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union through the CDRI’s Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund.
This endeavor aligns with Fiji’s continuous efforts to enhance its disaster preparedness and early warning systems, which play a crucial role in safeguarding communities from climate-induced disasters. A previous project, costing $29.2 million, was launched by the Fijian government to improve access to early warnings, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations are informed, particularly during cyclone season.
The ongoing focus on integrating advanced technology with community-centric strategies points to a promising future in bolstering disaster resilience in Fiji. By enhancing communication and disaster management systems, this initiative offers a hopeful outlook for heightened safety and preparedness in addressing environmental challenges.