Marata Village in Wailoku is set to expand its community hall to address the growing need for more space during natural disasters. The population in the village has increased from 54 to 74 households, raising concerns about the current hall’s capacity to shelter villagers during emergencies such as cyclones or heavy rain.
Village Headman Sanidaoni Toroirauna highlighted the urgency of this expansion, stating that past disasters necessitated the limitation of people allowed in the hall, forcing some residents to remain in unsafe living conditions. “This grant was much needed and will help us a lot. The current hall is too small to cater to everyone in the village, and during natural disasters, we use it as evacuation centres so everyone cannot fit in. I thank the government for providing the grant,” he expressed with gratitude.
The expansion is being funded through the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry’s Multi-Ethnic Grant, which aims to enhance disaster resilience across multiple communities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that has also supported 36 other communities in the Central Division and three on Rabi Island, ensuring better preparedness for future emergencies.
Tauroirauna emphasized that the expansion will significantly enhance the safety and well-being of the community, reflecting a commitment to building robust infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters.
Drawing parallels with recent developments in other areas, like the newly inaugurated evacuation center in Yalobi Village, which marked a significant advancement against past hardships, this initiative signifies the ongoing focus in Fiji to enhance disaster preparedness and community resilience. This trend exemplifies how government support and community collaboration can yield substantial benefits, providing hope for safer living conditions during emergencies in the future.
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