Fiji launches $29.5M early warning project

Every Fijian, regardless of where they live, will have access to life-saving early warning information when disasters strike under a USD$12.9 million (FJD $29.5m) project launched today.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka said the Early Warning for All project would ensure inclusive, reliable, and timely warning systems reach all of Fiji’s 332 islands.

“This is not just about technology, it is about people,” Mr Ditoka said at the signing ceremony at Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

“It is about ensuring that every Fijian, regardless of where they live, has access to life-saving information when it matters most.”

The project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme, comes as Fiji enters cyclone season with rural and maritime communities especially vulnerable to climate change impacts.

UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative Munkhtuya Altangerel said the initiative addresses urgent needs identified during recent community visits.

“Just about a week and a half ago, the Honourable Minister and I toured a small island off Lautoka where we launched an emergency shelter,” Ms Altangerel said.

“This small island community didn't have stable connection to electricity and also didn’t have access to a high-quality emergency shelter.”

She said every person living across Fiji’s islands needed access to early warning systems, emergency shelters, and energy to ensure dignity and prevent loss of life.

The project supports Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2018-2030 and commitments under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Ms Altangerel noted that every dollar spent on preparedness saves at least $10 in disaster response.

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