The Ministry of Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management in Fiji has been bolstered by a significant donation aimed at enhancing its disaster preparedness operations. This aid comes as a package of early warning system tools, generously provided by the International Organization for Migration in cooperation with the Japanese government. The initiative aims to strengthen disaster risk management and improve resilience among vulnerable communities.
Deputy Secretary Mitieli Cama expressed gratitude for the assistance, emphasizing its importance in building disaster resilience within government agencies and communities. He highlighted the partnership with Japan as not only a delivery of critical equipment but also as a reflection of the enduring friendship and shared commitment to a safer, more resilient future.
Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Rokuichiro Michii, reiterated Japan’s long-standing commitment to the Pacific region, recognizing the mutual understanding fostered by Japan’s own experiences with natural disasters. The Ambassador underscored the crucial role of preparedness, timely alerts, and robust infrastructure in the quest for safety and resilience.
Among the donated items are Starlink satellite internet kits. These kits are especially significant in providing high-speed internet connectivity to remote communities across regions such as the Lau Group, Kadavu, Taveuni, and other outer islands. This technological enhancement is crucial for bridging communication gaps in areas known as “black spots” with little to no connectivity, thereby ensuring life-saving information can reach these communities in real time.
This donation aligns with Fiji’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its disaster risk management. Previous engagements with entities like the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan, as noted by past discussions led by Minister Sakiasi Ditoka, reinforce the significant impact of Japanese expertise and support in advancing Fiji’s capacity to handle natural disasters. The continued cooperation, including initiatives such as the Memorandum of Cooperation for an Early Warning Satellite System using Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, is indicative of the robust partnership that has been pivotal in shaping Fiji’s disaster risk strategies.
Such collaborative efforts between Japan and Fiji, particularly focused on geohazards like volcanic activity and tsunamis, have been fundamental in elevating Fiji’s national and local disaster management frameworks. The ongoing support from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) further highlights the commitment to integrating disaster risk reduction strategies, enhancing hazard assessments, and promoting resilience investments.
This milestone in disaster readiness marks a hopeful step forward in ensuring the safety and resilience of Fiji’s communities in the face of an ever-evolving climate and physical environment.