Telecom Fiji is collaborating with government and industry partners to enhance Fiji’s multi-hazard early warning capabilities, aiming to deliver timely and clearer disaster alerts across various communication platforms. This initiative is a key commitment to safeguarding lives, as emphasized by Telecom Fiji’s CEO, Charles Goundar, who outlined the importance of reliable networks that can promptly send critical alerts when communities need them most.
Doris Susau, the Country Director for Live & Learn Fiji, highlighted the partnership’s integration of technical expertise and community resilience efforts. This collaborative approach is designed to better prepare communities for disasters and ensure their safety during such events. The initiative brings together multiple stakeholders, including the National Disaster Risk Management Office, the Fiji Meteorological Service, and several telecommunications providers.
One of the significant components of this project is the implementation of the Common Alerting Protocol. This system will enable alerts to be disseminated simultaneously through SMS, radio, television, mobile apps, websites, and sirens. Telecom Fiji will conduct assessments of existing systems, identify gaps in infrastructure, and design integration solutions to guarantee that communities receive timely alerts.
Expected outcomes include readiness assessments, technical designs, and phased investment plans aimed at strengthening Fiji’s disaster response capabilities. Financial support for the initiative is being provided by the Governments of India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union through the CDRI’s Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund.
This initiative aligns with Fiji’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its disaster preparedness and early warning systems, which have been integral in protecting communities from climate-related disasters. A previous $29.2 million project announced by the Fijian government emphasized improving access to early warnings, ensuring that information reaches even the most vulnerable populations, particularly during the cyclone season.
The continuous focus on integrating advanced technology with community-based approaches symbolizes a promising path toward enhanced disaster resilience in Fiji. By empowering communities through improved communication and disaster management systems, the future looks hopeful for increased safety and preparedness in the face of environmental challenges.