An upgraded risk-informed evacuation center was inaugurated for the residents of Yalobi in Waya, Yasawa, on Wednesday. The facility can accommodate over 200 individuals during future 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 evacuation center cost more than FJ$60,000.
The center is designed to address various risks faced by vulnerable groups within the Yalobi community. It features ramps for accessibility for people with disabilities, an indoor kitchen, restrooms, and solar lighting.
These enhancements aim to ensure the safety and security of women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities in the event of a natural disaster. During the event, community members shared their harrowing memories of Tropical Cyclone Bebe in 1972, when they had to trek uphill for three hours to find safety in a cave.
In recent disasters, the villagers have had to take refuge in their homes due to the lack of a proper evacuation facility. They expressed appreciation to the Government, donors, and UNDP for this timely initiative, emphasizing its impact on their safety and well-being.
Jovesa Vocea, the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, highlighted the importance of incorporating risk information into rural and maritime development initiatives to ensure long-term resilience.
Vocea noted that the Yalobi Risk Informed Evacuation Centre exemplifies the Ministry’s commitment to risk-informed development. “The Yalobi Evacuation Centre is a lifeline for the residents of this village, not merely a building,” he stated.
He also mentioned that during peaceful times, the center will serve as a hub for community initiatives aimed at empowering residents, particularly women and youth. Additionally, it will facilitate various socio-economic activities to strengthen the local community.
Nicola Glendining, the UNDP Pacific Gov4Res Project Manager, expressed pride in the ongoing collaboration with the Ministry to bolster the resilience of rural communities in Fiji and to implement strategic priorities.