The Fijian government’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness is becoming increasingly evident as it moves to establish evacuation centres across the nation in anticipation of stronger cyclones and rising sea levels. Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, emphasized the importance of these centres during a recent parliamentary address, highlighting their critical role in safeguarding lives and providing shelter to families displaced by extreme weather events.
Under the National Disaster Risk Management Act 2024, all buildings designated as evacuation centres must receive approval from the National Disaster Risk Management Council. In preparation for the 2024-2025 period, the government has allocated $1 million to fund 30 projects aimed at retrofitting, upgrading, and constructing new evacuation facilities across Fiji. These projects will be distributed across various regions, with a focus on inclusivity, ensuring that centres cater to women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
In collaboration with international partners such as the UNDP, KOICA, and the International Organization for Migration, the Ministry is focused on strengthening disaster resilience in high-risk communities. Key locations for the new centres include Waya, Lautoka, Cakaudrove, Tailevu, Ra, and Ovalau, where they will serve dual purposes of ensuring safety during emergencies and providing temporary housing for those who have lost their homes.
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 period, another $1 million has been earmarked for 26 additional projects to continue this vital work. Ditoka pointed out that the initiative marks a shift in strategy from a reactive stance to a proactive, risk-informed approach to disaster management. He also mentioned that the Rural Housing Assistance Program is in line with these efforts, reinforcing cyclone-resilient construction practices to mitigate future displacement.
In just three years, the Coalition Government has successfully established 65 evacuation centres, eclipsing the previous administration’s decade-long total of 60. This expansion signifies an unwavering dedication to building a future where every Fijian community has access to safe and climate-resilient shelters, ultimately paving the way for enhanced community resilience. As these projects are rolled out, they offer hope and reassurance that Fiji is taking robust steps to protect its citizens against the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.