Multi-agency team deployed to Qamea

Government will tonight (yesterday) deploy a multi-sectoral team to the island of Qamea following the landslides caused by recent Tropical Depression 04F. The team, led by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), will provide early recovery support in the various sectors, conduct detailed damage assessments, clear debris, and provide assistance with sanitation and hygiene needs. Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Permanent Secretary, Meleti Bainimarama, said that the deployment of these multiple agencies follows initial assessments by the Office of the Commissioner Northern. “Last week, we sent machines and equipment that would be essential in clearing away debris caused by the landslide,” Mr Bainimarama said. “Tonight, the team being deployed is comprehensive and will work together with officials on the ground in the Northern Division to assist the people of Qamea with early recovery”. Given the damages to health and education facilities on the island, Mr Bainimarama added that the priorities of the team include setting up of temporary medical and education facilities. He said: “We want to ensure that the provision of basic services such as healthcare and schools are not disrupted”. “Thus, we will establish a temporary medical clinic and temporary school classrooms as we roll out long-term recovery support”. The team consists of officers from the following agencies: NDMO; Office of the Commissioner Northern; Ministry of iTaukei Affairs; Department of Mineral Resources; Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport; Ministry of Lands; iTaukei Land Trust Board; Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Agriculture; Department of Energy; Water Authority of Fiji; RFMF Engineers Corps; and NGOs. The team will be on Qamea for two weeks.

Given the damages to health and education facilities on the island, Mr Bainimarama added that the priorities of the team include setting up of temporary medical and education facilities.