Japan funds maritime safety, security equipment for Police
Because of off-seasonal flooding during the cyclone period funding given by the Japanese Government will boost the capability of Police officers to assist in maritime safety.
This was highlighted by the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho at the Exchange of Notes signing ceremony for “Economic and Social Development Programme” with the Japanese Government.
It was held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Suva yesterday.
The Government of Japan has provided funding of $5.5 million to support the procurement of maritime safety and security equipment for the Fiji Police Force. This was under Japan’s Grant Aid titled ‘Economic Social Development Programme’ (ESDP) under the Japanese Prime Minister Shinz Abe commitment at PALM8.
“As we move into the cyclone season and with climate change we have off-season floodings,” Mr Qiliho said.
“This assistance will help us to position ourselves to deal with issues when it arises in assisting the people of Fiji, especially with maritime islands, there is a lot of inter-island movement.
“Before, we were using open punts, which not only puts more risk on the people whom we were trying to rescue, but also place my officers at risk.” With this assistance provided by the Government of Japan, they would have tested equipment from Japan.
“We are thankful to the Japanese Government even though they have their fair share of natural disasters they have great capability in dealing with this,” Commissioner Qiliho said.
The Prime Minister’s Office Permanent Secretary Yogesh Karan said most of the grant would be used for marine security and safety for the Fiji Police Force. “This will ensure that the law enforcement is better equipped to carry out its role in search and rescue missions during and after natural disasters,” Mr Karan said.
“The assistance will enhance Police’s operational capability in supporting disaster relief efforts and will ensure that Fiji has a Police force that is responsive.”
The Japanese Ambassador, Omura Masahiro, said the assistance was to improve the Fiji Police Force’s coast guard capacity with the provision of lifeboats and other maritime safety equipment.
“This could be used for search and rescue efforts in coastal areas when disaster strikes,” Mr Masahiro said.
“This positively impacts Fiji’s disaster prevention and mitigation efforts and therefore contributes to the nation’s sustainable development.”
Edited by Percy Kean