A new Multipurpose Evacuation Centre has officially opened in Vatukuca village, situated in the Cakaudrove region, as part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering community resilience ahead of the cyclone season. The facility was inaugurated by Jovesa Vocea, the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, and is designed to provide a safe refuge for both Vatukuca and neighboring communities during severe weather events, such as cyclones, floods, and heavy rainfall.
This centre represents a significant advancement in the ongoing partnership between the Fijian government, Korea’s International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Equipped with essential amenities, the centre will function as a hub for community activities, fostering social cohesion and supporting training and development programs.
Assistant Minister Vocea emphasized the vital role of such collaborations in promoting inclusive and risk-informed development across the Fijian landscape, extending his appreciation for the collective efforts that culminated in the centre’s establishment. The opening of this facility is reflective of Fiji’s dedication to enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience among its rural and maritime populations.
The timing of the evacuation centre’s commissioning is particularly important as Fiji braces for the cyclone season, illustrating a proactive strategy to protect vulnerable communities from the growing challenges posed by climate change. Previous initiatives, such as the Yavusania Retrofitted Evacuation Centre in Nadi and other multipurpose centres in Rokovuaka, underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to developing resilient infrastructure throughout Fiji.
This new facility brings hope for improved safety and readiness for communities confronting the persistent threats of natural disasters, reinforcing the significance of collaborative efforts to secure a resilient future for all Fijians.