The ban on kava consumption in evacuation centres is still in force, says National Disaster Management Office Director Anare Leweniqila.

At a briefing at the NDMO headquarters in Suva yesterday, he said most of the evacuation centres were manned by a single police officer assigned by the Fiji Police Force.

“We have to have a police officer there to monitor the centres for the safety of the people billeted there,” Mr Leweniqila said.

This was also to ensure the safety of women and children who were prone to unwanted sexual advances.

“I think one of the things we learnt from Tropical Cyclone Tomas was the need for better protection in evacuation centres.”

He said soldiers and officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) were ready to assist Police.

“In this particular event there was an agreement for officers to be assigned to monitor the various evacuation centres.”

A total of 129 evacuation centres were opened when this edition went to press last night.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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