A new cluster system aimed at enhancing coordination among humanitarian organizations in Fiji may soon be established following the recent discussion of the draft National Disaster Risk Management Bill in Parliament. The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights presented the bill, with committee chair Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure emphasizing that this new system will unite humanitarian actors across the country.
Ratu Rakuita noted that the proposed legislation will formalize the Fiji cluster system, promoting cooperation among various mechanisms and institutions involved in disaster risk management. He also announced plans to create sub-national disaster risk management offices in all four divisions of Fiji.
“The legislation provides for the establishment of the National Disaster Management Office’s sub-national units, which will be overseen by divisional disaster risk management offices. This will help streamline activities and offer guidance to divisional commissioners on disaster risk management, reduction, and management,” he explained.
Ratu Rakuita underscored the importance of disaster risk reduction and its practical implementation, highlighting the crucial role that early mitigation plays in preventing disasters. The bill has been renamed the National Disaster Risk Management Bill to reflect its broadened focus beyond just natural disasters, encompassing all types of hazards.
Additionally, the bill consolidates the functions of existing preparedness and mitigation committees into a single disaster risk reduction subcommittee, which will handle most disaster risk management tasks, excluding emergency response, which will still be managed by the emergency subcommittee.
Vani Catanasiga, coordinator of the Fiji Council of Social Services, welcomed the proposed bill. She expressed appreciation for the committee’s thorough examination of the bill, which she believes will enhance the interoperability of the new disaster coordination system. Catanasiga noted that the Fiji Council of Social Services has been involved in reviewing the National Disaster Management Act since 2018 and thanked the National Disaster Management Office for allowing civic input into the bill, ensuring that civil society and community first responders are acknowledged in the new framework.