An upgraded risk-informed evacuation centre was inaugurated for the residents of Yalobi in Waya, Yasawa, on Wednesday, providing refuge for over 200 individuals during potential disasters.
Constructed by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management in collaboration with the UN Development Programme’s Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific project, the facility was built at a cost exceeding FJ$60,000.
The centre includes accessibility features such as ramps for individuals with disabilities, as well as an indoor kitchen, washrooms, and solar lighting. These enhancements are designed to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities in the face of natural calamities.
During the inauguration, local residents recounted their harrowing experience during Tropical Cyclone Bebe in 1972, when they had to hike for three hours to find safety in a mountain cave. In recent disasters, villagers were forced to shelter in their homes due to a lack of suitable evacuation facilities. They expressed deep appreciation to the Government, donors, and UNDP for their timely support, highlighting its impact on improving their safety and overall well-being.
Jovesa Vocea, Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, underscored the significance of risk-informed development for long-term resilience.
Vocea stated, “The Yalobi Evacuation Centre is a lifeline for the residents of this village, not merely a building.” He added that the centre would also serve as a community hub for empowering initiatives, especially for women and youth.
Moreover, the facility will be utilized for various socio-economic activities aimed at strengthening the local community. UNDP Pacific Gov4Res Project Manager Nicola Glendining reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to bolster the resilience of rural communities in Fiji.