THE European Union has allocated $440,000 to refurbish emergency operations centres (EOC) around the country, says team leader for Natural Resources and Governance at the Delegation of the EU for the Pacific Ingrid Swinnen.
She made the comment during the opening of the $49,500 revamped Lautoka EOC yesterday.
“This includes the national EOC, three EOCs in the Western Division – Nadi, Lautoka and Tavua and the Nabouwalu EOC in Bua,” she said.
“We are confident that the investment will assist the Lautoka-based EOC team to provide timely and effective service to the people of Lautoka and Yasawa during disasters.
“The EOC, I am told, will also be used as a training room during normal times where disaster management training and other related capacity building programs will be conducted as well as meetings and workshops.”
She said four more EOCs in the Central Division are scheduled for upgrades in the coming months to ensure the country has a robust network during times of crisis.
Also speaking at the opening of the upgraded Lautoka EOC, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services permanent secretary Meleti Bainimarama thanked the EU’s Building Safety and Resilience Project (BSRP) for the upgrade.
“This revamped emergency operation centre will be equipped with the necessary equipment to ensure the conventional flow of accurate information at all times from the people to the Government and from the Government back to the people,” he said.
“This will allow both the Government and the people to make informed decisions during an emergency situation.”
