Sakiasi Ditoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, has urged communities to consider the villages in the Naiyalayala district of Ra as a benchmark for disaster preparedness and resilience.
This past week, Mr. Ditoka inaugurated community emergency response team (CERT) training for five communities within Naiyalayala at Togovere Village. He emphasized that implementing similar programs can bolster the nation’s capacity to endure and recover from natural disasters.
“Our collective goal as a nation is to improve community resilience and ensure that we are adequately equipped to handle any challenges that may come our way,” he stated. He noted that the Naiyalayala region has faced severe consequences from natural disasters, with cyclones, floods, and droughts causing significant harm to health, housing, and livelihoods.
Mr. Ditoka explained that by raising awareness and educating residents, with guidance from CERT’s expertise and support from the National Disaster Management Office, they can build a community that is not only ready for disasters but also capable of recovering quickly and effectively.
He expressed gratitude to the tikina Naiyalayala for their dedication to disaster preparedness. Additionally, Mr. Ditoka acknowledged the Fiji Water Foundation for its commitment to supporting local communities where its employees reside and work, highlighting its role in enhancing community resilience through this CERT initiative.
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) confirmed that the training sessions will be in line with the national community-based disaster risk management manual and mentioned that NDMO officials would be present to assist with the CERT training and ensure it meets national standards.