The Yasawa community celebrated a significant advancement in disaster preparedness with the opening of a new evacuation center in Yalobi Village on Wednesday. This development marks a pivotal change from previous experiences, particularly recalling the harrowing transportation of vulnerable villagers to a cave during Hurricane Bebe in 1972.
Commissioned by the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Jovesa Vocea, the newly established facility replaces the dangerous trek to the cave, enhancing safety for residents during natural disasters.
The center, which received a total investment of $62,139—$29,433 from the government and $32,706 from the United Nations Development Programme’s Governance for Resilience Project—reflects a collaborative effort to improve community resilience.
Vocea expressed gratitude towards the UNDP Gov4Res Project for their funding and praised the villagers for their dedication in contributing $47,000 towards building the original facility. He emphasized that the center serves as a vital refuge for around 200 residents, providing hope and security during times of need.
Village headman Nacanieli Vakalagilagi noted the importance of the facility in safeguarding the community from the impacts of disasters, particularly given Yalobi Village’s vulnerability to cyclones and flooding. He shared that the painful memories of seeking refuge in the cave during past hurricanes would now be replaced by the assurance provided by the new center.
The evacuation center is equipped with various amenities, including a two-side porch, a new kitchen, separate restrooms, ramps for disability access, two 10,000-liter rainwater storage tanks, kitchen utensils, tables, chairs, and a solar electrification system.