The Fijian government is reinforcing its commitment to disaster preparedness by establishing evacuation centres nationwide in response to the growing threats of stronger cyclones and rising sea levels. Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, stressed the significance of these centres during a recent parliamentary session, emphasizing their vital role in ensuring safety and providing shelter for families displaced by extreme weather.
Under the National Disaster Risk Management Act 2024, all buildings designated as evacuation centres are required to receive approval from the National Disaster Risk Management Council. As part of its proactive measures for the 2024-2025 period, the government has allocated $1 million for 30 projects aimed at retrofitting, upgrading, and constructing new evacuation facilities throughout Fiji. The projects will be strategically located across various regions and designed inclusively to accommodate women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Collaborating with international partners such as the UNDP, KOICA, and the International Organization for Migration, the Ministry is working to enhance disaster resilience in high-risk communities. Key sites for the new centres include Waya, Lautoka, Cakaudrove, Tailevu, Ra, and Ovalau, where these facilities will serve dual purposes: ensuring safety during emergencies and providing temporary housing for those who lose their homes due to disasters.
Looking forward to the 2025-2026 period, the government has set aside another $1 million for 26 additional projects aimed at continuing this essential work. Ditoka highlighted that this initiative marks a pivotal transition from a reactive to a proactive, risk-informed approach to disaster management. The ongoing Rural Housing Assistance Program complements these efforts by promoting cyclone-resilient construction practices to reduce the risk of future displacement.
In just three years, the Coalition Government has established 65 evacuation centres, surpassing the previous administration’s total of 60 centres over a decade. This growth demonstrates an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Fijian community has access to safe and climate-resilient shelters, ultimately fostering stronger community resilience. As these projects progress, they bring hope and reassurance that Fiji is actively taking comprehensive measures to safeguard its citizens from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.