Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka and members of the Ministry’s senior management with representatives from the Australian High Commission in Fiji and Heads of Departments based in Lautoka at the newly constructed accommodation block for first responders at the Western Division warehouse yard in Lautoka last week.

LAUTOKA – Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka toured the newly constructed accomodation facility for first responders at the Western Division warehouse yard in Lautoka last week.

Hon. Ditoka was joined by officials from the Australian High Commission in Fiji, contractors and representatives of key agencies of Government who are usually engaged by the Ministry during disaster operations during the tour.

Funded by the Australian Government, the project was implemented through the Facility and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

While addressing guests at the tour, Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the Australian Government for the assistance rendered towards their Fiji Vuvale.

He further stated that the construction of the 38-bed facility came at a very opportune time given that unexpected weather patterns were causing unprecedented weather events.

“Climate-related shocks have become more frequent and severe, compounding pre-existing vulnerabilities and increasing the number of people in humanitarian need and the cost of assisting them. Therefore, investing in disaster preparedness is critical to ensure we are ready to deploy should an event occur,” Hon. Ditoka said.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the people and government of Australia for recognising our national priority and working with us to achieve this significant milestone. Fiji is excited to continue learning and working with our Australian counterparts in this journey. Once again, on behalf of the people and Government of Fiji, I would like to express our gratitude for the support rendered for this project.”

The facility is expected to provide shelter and be a safe haven for first responders during future disaster operations in the Western Division.

Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka officially receives the key to the Western Division accommodation facility from the Australian High Commission’s First Secretary Climate Change and Humanitarian Ms. Kirstin Donaldson last week..

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The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is responsible for implementing development strategies that bring Fijians living in rural and maritime regions the same level of access to essential services and economic opportunities as anywhere else in the country. We coordinate and implement the Fiji Government’s rural and maritime development initiatives with a mission to empower Fiji’s rural sector. We also spearhead disaster risk reduction initiatives at national and sub-national level including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We have offices for each of Fiji’s 14 provinces including Rotuma, leading the Fiji Government’s rural development and disaster risk management operations.

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For press enquiries: Aqela Susu, MRMDDM, Tel. +679 3216456/+679 9985670,

Email: aqela.susu@govnet.gov.fj/susuaqela@gmail.com