New Evacuation Centre for Yalobi Village, Yasawa
“I am pleased to note that in times of peace, this centre will also work as a hub for community initiatives that will empower our people, especially the women and young people,” Mr Vocea said.
Friday 30 August 2024 | 11:11
The upgraded evacuation centre at Yalobi Village, Waya, in Yasawa. Photo: DEPTFO News
The newly improved and upgraded risk-informed evacuation centre was commissioned for the villagers of Yalobi in Waya, Yasawa on Wednesday. It offers a haven for more than 200 people in the event of future disasters.
The infrastructure was built by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, in partnership with the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific project (Gov4Res) at a cost of more than FJ$60,000.
The facility addresses several risks faced by members of vulnerable groups within the community of Yalobi, including ramps that will provide accessibility for those living with disabilities, an indoor kitchen, washrooms, and solar lighting.
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These improvements will ensure the safety and security of women, children, the elderly and people with a disability should a natural disaster strike.
In witnessing the event, a group of people from Yalobi recalled the terrifying experience of Tropical Cyclone Bebe in 1972, when they had to climb uphill for three hours to safety in a cave in the mountains above the village.
During more recent disasters, villagers have sought refuge in their own homes as there was no proper facility available to evacuate to. The villagers expressed gratitude to the Government, the donors and UNDP for this timely assistance, saying this would contribute to improving their safety and well-being.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Jovesa Vocea, emphasised the importance of risk-informing rural and maritime developments to ensure its resilience in the long-term.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Jovesa Vocea officiates at the upgraded evacuation centre at Yalobi Village in Waya, Yasawa on Wednesday. Photo: DEPTFO News
He said the Yalobi Risk Informed Evacuation Centre was a testament of this commitment by the Ministry to ensure all development initiatives were risk informed.
“The Yalobi Evacuation Centre is a lifeline for the residents of this village, not merely a building,” he said.
“I am pleased to note that in times of peace, this centre will also work as a hub for community initiatives that will empower our people, especially the women and young people,” Mr Vocea said.
Additionally, the centre will be utilised for various socio-economic activities targeted at empowering the local community of Yalobi.
UNDP Pacific Gov4Res Project Manager Nicola Glendining, added: “UNDP is proud to continue working closely with the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management on enhancing the resilience of rural communities in Fiji and implementing the Ministries strategic priorities.”
Source: DEPTFO News
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