Five officials from government ministries will undergo a mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) training program in Japan from July 18 to August 2 this year.
National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) divisional planning officer Jone Bacau said he was looking forward to attending the training because Fiji was vulnerable to natural disasters.
“NDMO and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) have been carrying out hazard and risk assessment to formulate a DRR plan for the Western Division,” he said.
“We have met a number of times with the Japanese consultant, and now it’s time for us to go to Japan and see for ourselves the best practices they have undertaken in Japan so we can come back and implement our DRR project in the Western Division.
“The location of Fiji is right on the path of cyclones, particularly the Western Division. And from past records, the Western Division has been devastated by cyclones and rainy weather that brought flooding.
“The formulation of the DRR is part of the national development plan for Fiji and is aligned to the sustainable development goals (SDGs).”
JICA resident representative Amaike Mayumi said it was crucial to have participants from different government ministries.
“The participants going are not only from NDMO but also from the Finance and Public Works ministries,” she said.
“Because it should be inter-agency, their commitment is necessary to promote the DRR activities.
“It’s also important for the participants to experience how Japan has overcome the difficulties affected by natural disasters,” she said in conclusion. The program is being implemented by JICA and was initiated by the NDMO and relevant government ministries.
