As Fiji enters the cyclone season, the people of Vuya Village in Bua Province chose to be proactive by building an evacuation centre.

Over the years whenever there were floods or a cyclone warning, about 300 villagers would seek shelter at their community hall.

Evacuation centre project chairperson Sulio Bulinadi said even people from five nearby settlements would use their community hall.

“We need a bigger community hall to accommodate everyone so we decided it’s better to build a 30 by 60 feet evacuation centre with two separate washrooms for males and females,” Mr Bulinadi said.

The construction of the evacuation centre in Vuya Village, Bua began on October 28, 2022

This year they fundraised and managed to collect $9000.

From that fund they started building the foundation of the centre last week.

They have hired a contractor from Taveuni who is working along with the men and youths from the village.

Mr Bulinadi said unfortunately they won’t be able to complete the project on time as the total cost was around $73,000.

“We need to raise more funds and hope the Government can assist to complete this much needed project,” he said.

The estimated timeframe for the project to be completed is in August 2024.

The construction of the evacuation centre in Vuya Village, Bua began on October 28, 2022

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