Build better and stronger homes, minister urges members of public

Seruiratu advises people to build homes to withstand Category Five cyclones

Government is calling on Fijians to build homes that are up to standard and can withstand a Category Five cyclone.

The Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu said: “Government philosophy has always been ‘Building Back Better Stronger Homes’ when investing in your homes.

“Unfortunately in some cases, they don’t build to standard due to cost factors that are incurred at the initial stages.

“Now when Government funded homes are built, we demand that standards are met so that we do not expose people in the

Inia Seruiratu Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.

same level of risks.”

The minister said that we needed more resilient communities.

“Invest in your homes, build better and stronger,” he added.

The 30-day declaration of the State of Natural Disaster ended on Tuesday. Edited

by Jonathan Bryce

ilaijia.ravuwai@fijisun.com.fj

Photo: Ronald Kumar Minister for Defence, National Security, Policing, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu (left), and President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote (second from left), with civil servants following the clean-up of Nanuku and Vidogo informal settlements at Vatuwaqa, Suva on May 13, 2020.