The Ministry for Rural and Maritime Development has announced that villages need to establish development plans to be eligible for government assistance. During a recent visit to Yadrana in Lau, Minister for National Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, emphasized the importance of these plans when opening upgraded housing and an evacuation center, stating that without them, communities will not receive support.
Minister Ditoka highlighted that every villager should understand their village development plan’s contents, referring to it as an integral part of community planning. He urged locals to approach their village headman (Turaga ni Koro) or district representative (Mata ni Tikina) if they find such planning is not being carried out.
At the visit, Ditoka unveiled a house extension project, which was financed with $10,000, providing a master bedroom, toilet, bathroom, and living area. Additionally, he opened a new evacuated center in Waciwaci that incorporates risk-informed design, enhancing villagers’ safety during disasters and aligning with ongoing efforts in the region to bolster disaster preparedness.
In similar developments, the Yasawa community’s Yalobi Village recently celebrated the opening of a new evacuation center, a long-needed upgrade from precarious safety measures experienced in past disasters. This facility marks significant progress in ensuring the community’s safety from natural calamities, further illustrating the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and preparedness across rural areas.
These initiatives illustrate a promising trend of integrating safety measures into community development, reflecting a proactive approach to disaster management in Fiji. As these enhancements are implemented, they not only protect vulnerable populations but also foster resilience and hope for safer futures amid the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
Leave a comment