In a major enhancement for the Yasawa community, a new evacuation centre was inaugurated in Yalobi Village on Wednesday, representing a significant advancement from previous experiences during disasters. In 1972, during Hurricane Bebe, villagers faced the daunting task of moving their elderly, women, and children to a cave for safety. The newly established centre replaces these dangerous journeys, showcasing improved disaster preparedness in the area.
The assistant minister for rural and maritime development and disaster management, Jovesa Vocea, officiated the opening of the facility, which involved a total investment of $62,139. This includes a government contribution of $29,433 for retrofitting the existing structure.
Mr. Vocea expressed gratitude towards the United Nations Development Programme Governance for Resilience Project (UNDP Gov4Res) for their generous funding of $32,706 under the Risk-Informed Development initiative. He noted that this project highlights the beneficial partnership between the UNDP Gov4Res Project and the government, particularly the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.
He commended the villagers for their dedication, recognizing their $47,000 full community contribution towards building the original facility. “Your hands have built a place of refuge and safety, where your families, friends, and neighbors can find shelter and protection in times of need,” he added.
According to village headman Nacanieli Vakalagilagi, the facility will serve as a safeguard for the community against various disaster effects. He pointed out that Yalobi Village is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including cyclones and flooding. He recalled the difficult times when villagers sought refuge in a cave two kilometres away during Hurricane Bebe. With the new centre, these painful memories can become part of the past, marking a milestone for the community.
The evacuation centre features a two-sided porch, a new kitchen, separate toilet and bathroom facilities, ramps for accessibility, two 10,000-litre rainwater storage tanks, kitchen utensils, tables and chairs, and a solar electrification system.