The Yasawa community celebrated the opening of a new evacuation centre in Yalobi Village on Wednesday, marking a significant enhancement in disaster preparedness compared to past challenges. In 1972, during Hurricane Bebe, residents faced the daunting task of transporting vulnerable individuals to a cave for safety. The new centre aims to eliminate such dangerous journeys.
Jovesa Vocea, the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, officiated the opening of the facility. The project received a total investment of $62,139, which included a $29,433 contribution from the government for retrofitting the existing structure. Vocea expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme’s Governance for Resilience Project for their substantial support of $32,706 through the Risk-Informed Development initiative.
“This project highlights the ongoing collaboration between the UNDP Gov4Res Project and our government, especially the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management,” Vocea stated. He also recognized the villagers for their commitment, noting their $47,000 contribution to the construction of the original facility.
“This centre serves as a lifeline for approximately 200 residents of this village, offering hope, safety, and security,” he added.
Village headman Nacanieli Vakalagilagi emphasized the importance of the facility in protecting the community from natural disasters, citing their vulnerability to cyclones and flooding. He recalled the painful memories of seeking refuge in a cave during Hurricane Bebe, saying, “Those painful memories will be a story of the past as we celebrate this milestone achievement.”
The new evacuation centre features a two-sided porch, a kitchen, separate restroom facilities, disability access ramps, two 10,000-liter rainwater storage tanks, kitchen utensils, tables and chairs, as well as a new solar electrification system.