FIJI is factoring the link between El Niño and intense tropical cyclones into its disaster planning, as the Government considers how recurring weather patterns should shape resource allocation.
Minister for Meteorological Services (MET), Public Works and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said Fiji had experienced intense cyclones during previous El Niño years and the pattern needed to be considered as the country prepares for the current El Niño conditions.
He said information presented at the fourth Pacific Meteorological ministers meeting showed weather events could occur in cycles, making it important for Fiji to study past patterns and incorporate them into future planning.
“We really need to analyse our scientific data,” Ro Filipe said.
“So we need to incorporate that in our planning, resource allocation as we move forward.”
He said the Fiji MET provided the baseline information used by Government agencies, including the Water Authority of Fiji and divisional commissioners, to prepare for changing weather conditions. When conditions approached critical levels, he said the National Disaster Management Office took over under the NDMO Act to coordinate Government resources.
“So this includes support from the Ministry of Public Works, Water Authority, Government shipping services and other agencies to provide water and relief to affected communities.”
Ro Filipe said the same information needed to guide longer-term investment, particularly in water infrastructure in maritime and rural areas.
“We need to upgrade our water infrastructure in all our maritime, rural areas, and areas which are lacking.”
He said ageing urban infrastructure also needed upgrading, while wastewater management remained an important part of strengthening Fiji’s water systems.
The Government, he said, had received Asian Development Bank funding for wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
Ro Filipe said using recurring weather patterns in planning would allow Government to consider the likely demands on resources before severe weather events occur.
