Building back safer is the only option following Cyclone Winston’s devastation of homes.

This was highlighted by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Permanent Secretary, Meleti Bainimarama, while launching the Building Back Safer training programme in Lawaki, Tailevu yesterday.

Mr Bainimarama said that building back safer must be an essential skill acquired by those who need to build their houses following Cyclone Winston.

“Evidently, the need for rural based carpenters to be trained with the necessary basic building skills is even more pressing now,” PS Bainimarama said.

“It therefore, builds community resilience and ultimately minimises or even eliminates loss and damage.”

Mr Bainimarama acknowledged the spirit of partnership shown by Habitat for Humanity Fiji, which will implement the training program in around a hundred (100) locations in Fiji.

The Building Back Safer training programme is funded by the Australian and New Zealand Governments through their High Commissions in Suva..