Seruiratu Thanks Japan For 9 Weather Radio Stations
“This installation would assist us to get vital on the ground reports, following which will enable us to plan, strategise and respond to early recovery processes,” Mr Seruiratu said.
Friday 10 December 2021 | 10:23
Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, during the commissioning of the High Frequency (HF) radio systems at Macuata House in Labasa on December 8, 2021. Photo: Sampras Anand
The installation of the High Frequency (HF) radio systems at nine stations in the Northern Division has come as a blessing for the National Disaster Management Office (NMDO) team based in the North.
The radio systems would allow the dissemination of accurate and timely information to help NDMO strategise quick recovery processes in disaster situations.
Commissioning the radio systems at Macuata House in Labasa on Wednesday, Minister for Rural, Maritime and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu said the initiative would spearhead the increased accessibility of reliable information to support and assist communities efficiently in a disaster inflicted environment.
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The other eight stations are installed at Seaqaqa, Lekutu, Nabouwalu, Kubulau, Savusavu, Saqani, Tukuvesi and Taveuni.
The HF radio system is a fully upgraded system, which adds new digital features to the previously analog voice system so that texting, mobile calls and emails could be sent without any communication difficulty during a natural disaster.
“This installation would assist us to get vital on the ground reports, following which will enable us to plan, strategise and respond to early recovery processes,” Mr Seruiratu said.
Mr Seruiratu said the equipment would help first responders and health teams receive accurate and timely information to preposition resources to people in need of urgent assistance.
He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation towards the Japanese Government for providing the budget to carry out this project.
Japanese Government
The Japanese Government provided $184,875 as part of their grassroot grant assistance scheme.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Government had also provided rescue boats, technical equipment and other humanitarian support resources to the Fijian Government to support the disaster recovery programmes.
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
