Vunivau settlement boosts disaster readiness with training, kits

Eniketi Settlement residents at Vunivau, Labasa, were recently equipped with natural disaster preparedness education and support kits.

Settlement women’s group president, Taina Lamaqa, said around 400 residents would benefit from the training and kit assistance.

Ms Lamaqa acknowledged the assistance provided by the non-government organisation (NGO) Friend Fiji, which recently distributed disaster and emergency kits to the community.

The women’s group was assisted with solar light kits, hose pipes, safety hats, tarpaulins, batteries for the solar lights, a microphone, one siren and a greenhouse.

Spades, buckets, flashlights, first-aid emergency kits and life jackets were also provided.

Ms Lamaqa said the disaster emergency kits would be utilised to support vulnerable members of the community during cyclone situations.

She explained that being resourced to counter the adversities of natural disasters and cyclones allowed for fewer injuries or mortalities during disaster periods.

Ms Lamaqa said the greenhouse would be used for backyard gardening, both for subsistence and income generation.

“We were trained on how to conduct ourselves during a disaster situation,” she said.

Ms Lamaqa urged the Government to upgrade and properly construct an effective permanent evacuation centre.

She said there were plans to construct two evacuation centres to ensure future safety during disasters and emergencies.

The emergency committee, which was formed recently, held its first training session earlier this month.

Committee president Alan Tuinasoni said they had appointed officer bearers to ensure the safety of residents during emergency situations.

These roles included security officer, spiritual officer and education officer.

Mr Tuinasoni emphasised the need for the construction of a village hall to house a community police post.

With the settlement population increasing, there are also plans for the construction of a kindergarten and a mini health centre.

Drug peddling remains a concern, and the committee wants to reduce this by establishing a community police post.