Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka and members of the Ministry’s senior management with representatives from KOICA and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Fiji team at the NDMO-IOM High-Level Stakeholder Workshop on Evacuation Center Guidelines and Tool at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi this week.

NADI – Senior officials of the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management are presently meeting in Nadi to develop and refine the Guidelines for Evacuation Centers as part of our efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response in the country.

Organised in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Fiji, the two-day NDMO-IOM High-Level Stakeholder Workshop on Evacuation Center Guidelines and Tool is also aimed at training the Ministry’s officials on the use of the EC toolkit and the pre-selection of evacuation centers for retrofitting across the four divisions.

In opening the workshop at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi today, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka urged senior officials of the Ministry to engage in open and constructive discussions, share their insights, and contribute their valuable experiences. He said the development of these guidelines was a collaborative effort, and it was through the exchange of knowledge and ideas that we could refine and strengthen our approach to evacuation center management.

“We are well aware that the impacts of disasters can be devastating, and they often require communities to come together in times of crisis. Properly managed evacuation centers are lifelines for affected individuals and families, offering safety, shelter, and support during challenging times,” Hon. Ditoka said.

“The Guideline we are here to discuss and enhance is an essential tool to ensure that these centers are not only available but also effective in providing the necessary support to those who seek refuge within their walls. This Guideline will serve as a blueprint for our actions, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members during times of disaster.”

“Let us keep in mind that the true measure of our preparedness is the effectiveness of our response. By working together to improve these guidelines, we are taking a proactive step towards ensuring that when disaster strikes, we are better equipped to protect and support the most vulnerable among us.”

Minister Ditoka acknowledged the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for their funding support through IOM Fiji and commitment towards this important cause. He also commended the IOM Fiji team, and all relevant stakeholders for their dedication and expertise that have been instrumental in shaping these Guidelines.

Meanwhile, this week’s two-day workshop is part of the IOM-KOICA-NDMO Evacuation Center Project which was launched in August 2022. Funded by KOICA, the project is intended to strengthen resilience to disaster and displacement risks. The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of communities and national-level authorities to respond to disasters through improved disaster response systems, the construction of four evacuation centers, and retrofit of existing shelters. 

Caption: Members of the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s senior management at the NDMO-IOM High-Level Stakeholder Workshop on Evacuation Center Guidelines and Tool at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi this week.

-ENDS-

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 Fijian Government’s rural development and disaster risk management operations.

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Aqela Susu, MRMDDM, Tel. +679 3216456/+679 9985670,

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