The Blackrock Peacekeeping and Hu­manitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp is designed to be environ­mentally-sustainable in terms of managing its electricity and water supply to the camp.

This is possible through its in-house solar power system that was installed to supple­ment local electricity to the camp.

The construction of the Blackrock Camp was carried out together with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and Austral­ian Army soldiers from 19th Chief Engineer Works.

Warrant officer class 1, Liam Wardle, a Works Manager with the Australian Army’s 19th Chief Engineer Works said the solar system would help reduce the burden on the Votualevu water supply.

“All buildings have a rain-water harvesting system that is filtered and treated to drink­ing water standards, reducing the burden on the Votualevu water supply network. Har­vested rainwater is also used to irrigate the rugby oval,” he said.

Following the successful opening in Votua­levu, Nadi, Mr Wardle added that the Black­rock Camp has the potential to serve as a peacekeeping training centre and pre-de­ployment hub when responding to regional natural disasters.

In-house facilities

This is because of the in-house training fa­cilities that provides a purpose-built space for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to train for such support missions.

“The Blackrock Camp facilities includes: humanitarian assistance and disaster re­lief (HADR) warehouse; UN training school including training shelters; headquarters building; medical facility; two living-in ac­commodation buildings; gym and multicourt facility; rugby field; parade ground; guard­house for on-site security; guard box for ac­cess control; Q store warehouse for Republic of Fiji Military Forces; bulk-fuel store; gas storage; heavy vehicle covered parking bays; upgrades to on-base roads; and upgrades to existing mess hall facilitates.

“These facilities provide a purpose-built space for the Republic of Fiji Military Forc­es to train for their support missions.

“Blackrock Camp has the potential to serve the region as a peacekeeping training centre and pre-deployment hub to respond to re­gional natural disasters,” he said.

Mr Wardle added there were 18 new build­ings that were completed as part of the Blackrock Camp project.

“The living-in-accommodation allows for approximately 150 personnel to be accom­modated on site. The number of training sessions will be determined by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

“Gymnasium equipment were provided as part of the projects. Training equipment for the training school will be added to the buildings by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces,” he said.

Personnel from the Republic of Fiji Mili­tary Forces and the Australian Defence Force worked side by side along with local industry support to help see through the completion of the project.

According to Mr Liam, on average the pro­ject approximately had 200 workers on site each day with 95 per cent being Fijian work­ers.

“Over 1,100 personnel were inducted on the site over the life of the project. The project has injected approximately FJ$35 million into the local economy.

“Construction of the Blackrock Peace­keeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp redevelopment was originally anticipated to take 18 months to complete, although disruptions were experi­enced,” he said.

Future plan

Following the successful model of the Blackrock Camp redevelopment, there are several other security infrastructure col­laborations planned for Fiji.

Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj