Govt invests $1.17m in Nagado evacuation centre project

The people of Nagado Village in Ba Province will soon have a dedicated evacuation centre that will serve as a safe haven during natural disasters and a community facility during normal times.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday, Minister for Transport, Public Works and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the new evacuation centre reflected the Government's commitment to strengthening community resilience and protecting vulnerable populations.

"The Nagado Village Evacuation Centre will serve as a safe haven for families, children, women, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities whenever disaster strikes. It will also serve the community in normal times as a centre for meetings, training and other development activities," he said.

Ro Filipe described the project as a significant investment in the safety and wellbeing of the people of Nagado and surrounding communities.

"This groundbreaking marks the beginning of an important project that reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening community resilience and safeguarding our people," he said.

The Government, through the Ministry of Public Works, is investing $1,168,662 in the construction of the evacuation centre under the Infrastructure Natural Resource Owners Grant Programme.

"This is a major investment in the safety, security and wellbeing of the people of Nagado and surrounding communities," Ro Filipe said.

The facility will cover 287.45 square metres and is expected to be completed within 24 weeks.

Ro Filipe thanked the landowners of Nagado for making land available for the project.

"This act of partnership and sacrifice is deeply appreciated by Government and by the people who will benefit from it," he said.

Turaga ni Yavusa Peniona Senianitu welcomed the Government's investment and thanked officials for delivering the project.

He said the evacuation centre would play a critical role in protecting residents from the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

"With the challenges faced by villagers due to climate change, this facility will provide a safe haven not only for the people of Nagado but for the wider community as well," he said.

Once completed, the evacuation centre is expected to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity for Nagado and neighbouring communities while also serving as a community resource throughout the year.