The Yasawa community has taken a significant step forward with the opening of a new evacuation center in Yalobi Village, a change that marks a departure from the challenges faced during past disasters. During Hurricane Bebe in 1972, residents had to transport their most vulnerable members, including the elderly, women, and children, to a cave for safety—a perilous journey that the new center seeks to eliminate.
The center was officially opened by Jovesa Vocea, the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management. The facility was developed with an investment of $62,139, which includes $29,433 from the government to retrofit an existing structure.
Vocea expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme’s Governance for Resilience Project (UNDP Gov4Res) for their contribution of $32,706 under the Risk-Informed Development initiative. He emphasized that this project demonstrates the valuable partnership between the UNDP Gov4Res Project and the Fijian government, particularly the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.
Moreover, Vocea commended the village community for their significant contribution, noting that the villagers had invested $47,000 into building the original facility. He highlighted that the center serves as a refuge for approximately 200 residents and stands as a source of hope, safety, and security in times of crisis.
Village headman Nacanieli Vakalagilagi remarked on the vulnerability of Yalobi Village to natural disasters, including cyclones and flooding. He recalled the painful memories of seeking refuge in the cave during Hurricane Bebe but expressed relief that the new facility would provide a safer alternative.
The evacuation center features a two-side porch, a modern kitchen, separate toilet and bathroom facilities, disability access ramps, two 10,000-liter rainwater storage tanks, kitchen utensils, tables, chairs, and a new solar electrification system.