The newly revamped risk-informed evacuation center for the residents of Yalobi in Waya, Yasawa, was inaugurated on Wednesday, providing shelter for over 200 individuals in the event of future disasters.
Constructed by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management in collaboration with the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific project (Gov4Res), the facility represents an investment exceeding FJ$60,000.
The upgraded infrastructure tackles various risks faced by vulnerable groups in the Yalobi community, incorporating features such as ramps for accessibility, an indoor kitchen, washrooms, and solar lighting. These enhancements are designed to protect women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities during natural disasters.
Attending the inauguration, local residents shared their harrowing memories of Tropical Cyclone Bebe in 1972, highlighting the three-hour trek they made to seek safety in a cave located in the mountains above the village. In more recent calamities, villagers had no adequate facilities to retreat to, forcing them to rely on their homes for refuge. The community expressed their gratitude to the government, donors, and UNDP for this vital assistance, recognizing it as a significant improvement for their safety and overall well-being.
Jovesa Vocea, the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, underscored the significance of integrating risk awareness into rural and maritime development for long-term resilience. He stated that the Yalobi Risk Informed Evacuation Center exemplifies the Ministry’s commitment to risk-informed development initiatives.
Vocea described the evacuation center as a lifeline for the community, emphasizing that it serves more than just a structural purpose. He noted that during peaceful times, the center would also function as a hub for community initiatives aimed at empowering local residents, particularly women and youth.
Furthermore, the center is set to host various socio-economic activities focused on uplifting the Yalobi community. Nicola Glendining, the UNDP Pacific Gov4Res Project Manager, expressed pride in collaborating with the Ministry to strengthen the resilience of rural communities in Fiji and to align with the Ministry’s strategic priorities.