CommunityGovernment
May 1, 2016 7:01 amDEPTFO

Government committed to disaster risk reduction

The Fijian Government is committed to enhancing proactive measures to minimize devastation caused by natural disasters as occurrences of natural hazards continue to increase.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Hon. Lorna Eden at the Ministerial Meeting discussion warning mechanisms for disaster. (DEPFTO)
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Hon. Lorna Eden at the Ministerial Meeting discussion warning mechanisms for disaster. (DEPFTO)

This was the focus of a ministerial meeting yesterday between the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Hon. Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa and Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Hon. Lorna Eden.

Minister Seruiratu said that following the recent cyclones, earthquakes and tsunami warnings in the region, Government is adamant that mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development plans of both rural and urban areas will reduce risks.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Hon. Inia Seruiratu and Principal Research Officer, Raijieli Bakewa at the Ministerial Meeting. (DEPFTO)
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Hon. Inia Seruiratu and Principal Research Officer, Raijieli Bakewa at the Ministerial Meeting. (DEPFTO)

While the warning mechanisms are already in place for cyclones and tsunamis, Government is looking at investing in installing more tsunami sirens in critical areas and places to protect the country.

Meanwhile, a joint task force is currently working with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that gaps and loopholes in the current warning system are addressed.