The Ministry of Local Government acting deputy permanent secretary Ms Talei Digitaki Rokotuibau today officiated at the opening of the National Disaster Management Week in the old capital, Levuka.
Ms Rokotuibau said disaster resilience has been advocated widely by the world’s largest body, the United Nations.
“The United Nation International Strategy for Disaster has chosen the topic for this year “Women and Girls invisible force in Disaster Resilience,” she said.
“I know women can make a difference in disaster risk management. When disaster happens, it is expected that we all have all hands on deck so it’s really for both men and women (to take ownership of),” she said.
“Clear directions and policies in place now by Government will help prepare Fiji. Improving technologies, and the training of officials both locally and overseas will equip them with knowledge on how to prepare Fiji for any natural disaster,” she said.
Ms Rokotuibau said Government has also set up a task force to put together a joint action plan for disaster risk management.
“Yesterday the Tsunami siren was commissioned in Lami. The one at USP is also completed and it would be tested. There is a Nadi flood early warning system funded by the European Union which is also about to be completed and tested,” she said.
Ms Rokotuibau also highlighted the important role that media outlets play in disaster awareness adding that this role will effectively reduce the loss of lives and damages sustained to homes and communities.