A new multipurpose evacuation center has been officially opened in ROKOVUAKA Village, Ra, aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and protecting vulnerable communities during crises. The facility is part of the Strengthening National and Community Resilience to Displacement Risks in the Republic of Fiji project, a comprehensive initiative led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Fijian government and other stakeholders.
Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, emphasized the importance of this center as a key outcome of the national disaster preparedness framework. The selection of Rokovuaka as one of eight priority locations followed extensive vulnerability and displacement risk assessments conducted across more than 30 sites in Fiji.
The center was financed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and constructed with the involvement of various partners, including the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), Save the Children Fiji, and local organizations. It is designed not only to serve as a shelter during emergencies but also to act as a hub for community activities.
Prior reports highlight the ongoing efforts in Fiji to bolster disaster resilience, including work on similar centers like the Yavusania Retrofitted Evacuation Centre in Nadi. These initiatives underscore a strong commitment to ensuring safer infrastructures in vulnerable regions as climate change poses growing challenges. The new facility in Rokovuaka is therefore seen as a crucial step towards empowering local communities, promoting social support, and fostering overall resilience.
The establishment of these centers is an optimistic development for Fiji, signifying proactive measures taken to safeguard communities while enhancing local capacities to respond to disasters. With continued collaboration among government entities and international agencies, the future looks promising for building more resilient communities across the nation.
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