PRESIDENT JOINS NAVUA FOR CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
THIS IS TO HELP PREVENT FLOODING DURING CYCLONE SEASON
He joined Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu and communities in Navua to pick and collect rubbish from clogged areas and plant trees which would help prevent flooding and soil erosion.
Between 2017 and August last year, 14 Fijians drowned during a natural disaster – most of them swept away by strong currents.
For this reason, the Government is raising awareness by heavily engaging members of the public in the hopes of preventing such deaths from re-occurring.
Yesterday, only nine days into the cyclone season, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere joined the people of Navua to pick and collect rubbish from clogged areas and plant trees which would help prevent flooding and soil erosion.
In recent years, incidences of flooding in many low-lying and flood prone areas have been a result of poor waste disposal by communities.
Navua is one flood-prone area.
Navua was part of six targeted sites this week. Others included Wailea in Suva, Nadonumai in Lami, Waidamudamu in Nakasi, Naduru Road in Nausori and Korovou Town in Tailevu.
President Ratu Wiliame was joined by the Minister for Disaster Management, Rural, Maritime Development, Defence and National Security, Inia Seruiratu, as part of a Governmentand-Society approach this week.
“Fiji is helping flip the narrative around working with vulnerable communities,” Mr Seruiratu said during the launch of the National Disaster Awareness Week last Thursday.
“Good governance recognises that risk management is a two-way exchange and promotes the need to pool resources together so that our vulnerable or poor communities are not marginalised.
“You can play your part simply by clearing your drainage system at home, disposing waste properly, and trimming tree branches around your compounds. Remember, these small acts can make a huge difference if we all work together.”
During this campaign, waste bins would be positioned at allocated sites, and on the day of collection, officials would be on the ground to not only raise awareness to the communities on proper waste disposal, but would also use this opportunity to educate the public on the importance of early preparedness.