LocationsNewly commissioned resilient infrastructure to provide safe haven for Yalobi villagers
August 29, 2024
Yalobi Village in Waya, Yasawa Evacuation Hall.
Yalobi, Yasawa, Fiji - A newly improved and upgraded risk-informed evacuation centre was commissioned for the villagers of Yalobi in Waya, Yasawa today, offering a safe haven for more than 200 people in the event of future disasters.
This essential 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. These improvements will ensure the safety and security of women, children, the elderly and people with a disability should a natural disaster strike.
The cave previously used as an evacuation place for the Yalobi village.
In witnessing today’s event, a group of people from Yalobi recalled the terrifying experience of Tropical Cyclone Bebe in 1972, when they had to hike 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. These difficulties demonstrate the pressing need for a secure and easily accessible evacuation centre.
The villagers expressed gratitude to the Fiji Government, the donors and UNDP for this timely assistance, saying this would contribute to improving their safety and well-being.
While addressing the community during the commissioning of the project, Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Jovesa Vocea, emphasised the importance of risk-informing rural and maritime development to ensure its resilience in the long-term. 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.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Jovesa Vocea.
"The Yalobi Evacuation Centre is a lifeline for the residents of this village, not merely a building. Ensuring that such developments are risk-informed is crucial to making sure that our villages are ready for the effects of climate change and future disasters. 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,” Hon. Vocea said.
Additionally, the centre will be utilised for various socio-economic activities targeted at empowering the local community of Yalobi. The facility will support local initiatives, empowering villagers through skills training, community meetings, and other income-generating activities.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Jovesa Vocea officially opened the Yalobi Village Evacuation Hall.
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. We are grateful for the trust and understanding we share.”
The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and UNDP are committed to continuing their collaboration on risk-informed development projects that strengthen the resilience of communities across Fiji.
This project was made possible with additional support from Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Korea International Cooperation Agency, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
For more information, please contact:
Aqela Susu | Senior Media Officer | Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management
| (E) aqela.susu@govnet.gov.fj
Ashna Kumar | Communications Associate | UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | (E) ashna.kumar@undp.org
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