National Disaster Management Act and Plan to be reviewed

The ministry is also working in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies, the Fiji Red Cross Society, and the European Union through the Pacific Community under its Building Safety and Resilience in the

The National Disaster Management Act [NDMA] 1998 and the National Disaster Management Plan 1995 [NDMP] are under review.

The review is to modernise the plan and legislation taking into consideration new emerging issues such as security, gender equality and disability and humanitarian coordination.

This was highlighted by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, Disaster Management, and Meteorological Services, Deputy Secretary, Loata Vakacegu while opening the workshop to launch the Fiji’s National Disaster Management Act and Plan Review.

“Considerations for the relevant plans and legislation have been vital in knowing and understanding the structure and responsibilities of Government, key responders and humanitarian partners in both periods of peacetime and disasters,” Ms Vakacegu said.

The ministry is also working in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies, the Fiji Red Cross Society, and the European Union through the Pacific Community under its Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific Programme. “Their commitment to assist us in moving forward with this legislative review, will also help us improve our service delivery for communities that we serve,” Ms Vakacegu added.

The IFRC has also been commended for its support due to the experience and expertise in international and disaster humanitarian law.