A new Multipurpose Evacuation Centre has been inaugurated in Vatukuca village, located in Cakaudrove, as part of efforts to enhance community resilience ahead of the cyclone season. The facility, commissioned by Jovesa Vocea, the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, aims to provide a safe haven for Vatukuca and surrounding communities during severe weather events such as cyclones, floods, and heavy rainfall.
This centre is a significant development in the ongoing collaboration between the Fiji government, Korea’s International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It provides essential amenities and will serve as a community hub for various activities, promoting social cohesion and facilitating training and development initiatives.
Assistant Minister Vocea highlighted the importance of such partnerships in driving inclusive and risk-informed development across Fijian communities, expressing gratitude for the collective efforts that led to the centre’s establishment. This new facility underscores Fiji’s commitment to improving disaster preparedness and resilience among its rural and maritime populations.
The commissioning of the evacuation centre comes at a crucial time as Fiji prepares for its cyclone season, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding vulnerable communities against the escalating impacts of climate change. Similar projects previously established, like the Yavusania Retrofitted Evacuation Centre in Nadi and other multipurpose centers in Rokovuaka, demonstrate the government’s ongoing commitment to building resilient infrastructure across Fiji.
With this development, there is hope for enhanced readiness and safety for communities facing the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters, reaffirming the importance of collaborative efforts to secure a resilient future for all Fijians.