Twenty men yesterday graduated with a Certificate in Carpentry after a two week rural carpentry training in Naweni, Cakaudrove on Vanua Levu.

The participants from the provinces of Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata were trained on how to build cyclone proof homes.

One of the participants, 58-year-old Jale Kale of Kiobo Village in Kubulau, Bua, said the training course was enlightening.

“It was an eye-opening one and especially when we are encountering the constant changes in weather condition and the increasing intensity of cyclones like Tropical Cyclone Winston which hit us last year,” Mr Kale said.

“My village was badly hit and my home sustained major damages. I strongly believe that if we were to implement the kind of building designs acquired during this training it would save Fijians from tragedies as such.”

A carpenter by profession, he said the training should be taught in most rural and maritime communities.

“This kind of building structure is very different from the usual one we build in our villages. We are taught how to use construction materials like spikes, screws and straps and steel rods to help hold our homes down during cyclones,” he said.

“I am thankful to the Commissioner and the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development for introducing this worthy course.”

The course was funded by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development.

The Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and Natural Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu officiated at the event.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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