Bill to build a more resilient Fiji

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Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau during a break from Parliament on Thursday, March 16, 2024. Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA

The National Disaster Risk Management Bill (Bill No 6 of 2024) which was passed and enacted by  Parliament last week was designed to build a more resilient Fiji.

While contributing to the debate on the Bill in Parliament last week, Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau said at the heart of the framework was the National Disaster Risk Management Council, which consisted of all permanent secretaries and key government statutory bodies.

“The council will serve as a central body responsible for overseeing disaster risk governance across the nation,” Ro Filipe said.

“Equally important is the role of the emergency committee, which is tasked with coordinating our immediate response when disasters occur.

“Under the leadership of the permanent secretary responsible for Disaster Management, this committee ensures a swift, efficient, well-coordinated response minimising the damage and loss often caused by disasters.

“Additionally, the committee has the authority to convene and make recommendations to Cabinet in the event that National Disaster Risk Management Council is unable to convene.”

He said the Bill also provided for the registration and regulation of humanitarian actors and disaster risk management volunteers.

“These actors will be recognised through a formal registry and clear standards will be established to ensure accountability and effectiveness roles in their contributions.

“This structure also allows for the deregistration of actors or volunteer organisations that fail to meet the required standards thereby maintaining the integrity of our disaster response efforts.

“The Bill introduces a system for eligible actors with a formal registry that ensures all entities contributing to disaster risk management are properly recognised and regulated.”

Ro Filipe said the Bill also focused on disaster risk reduction.

“This section (Part 6) includes the establishment of a multiple hazard warning system, ensuring that there will be effective mechanisms in place to provide timely warnings to our communities.

“The responsibilities of the various agencies involved in issuing warnings, arrangement of this warning and the communication systems that will be utilised are all outlined in this part. Furthermore, we also address the need for evacuation centres, recognising the critical roles in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our citizens during emergencies.”

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