Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/27/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/26/2025 19:08
SAFE AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY SPACE FOR BURETU...
Villagers of Buretu in Tailevu no longer have to walk to neighboring Daku Village or the nearest primary school to seek refuge during a disaster.
They now have a safer and more resilient community space within their own village following the commissioning of the Buretu Community Hall and Evacuation Centre Project by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi R Ditoka.
Funded by the Government through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management at a total cost of more than $220,000, the project included the retrofitting of the existing community hall, improvements to sanitation systems, and structural reinforcements to ensure safety and functionality for families during extreme weather events.
Speaking during the commissioning, Hon. Ditoka said the development underscored the Government's commitment to building safer, more resilient communities, particularly those vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
"The government's priority is to ensure that every Fijian, wherever they live, is protected and supported in times of need," said Hon. Ditoka.
"This investment is about ensuring that our communities are safe, that families have secure spaces during disasters, and that development reaches every corner of our nation."
Beyond its role as a disaster evacuation facility, the Buretu Community Hall will serve as a hub for
community activities, leadership training, and village development planning during normal times.
"We want this hall to be a place of safety during times of disaster, but also a space of learning, unity, and progress during normal times.
"The success of projects like this depends on the continued partnership between the Government, community leaders, and the people themselves. Development can only be sustained when we all take responsibility for protecting and maintaining what we have been given."
Buretu Village Headman Mr. Manasa Sovaki said the project was a timely and much-needed intervention, as the village continues to experience the worsening effects of climate change.
"Our village is very prone to seawater intrusion, and over the years, rising sea levels have made it difficult for families living close to the shore," he said.
"This new community hall and evacuation centre is a blessing for us. It gives our people a safe place to shelter when disasters strike and a proper space to come together for community meetings and programs. We are deeply thankful to the Government for this timely assistance."
Mr. Sovaki added that the project not only enhances disaster preparedness but also restores a sense of pride and ownership among villagers.
Hon. Ditoka also urged the community of Buretu to remain vigilant and proactive as Fiji approaches the cyclone season, emphasising the importance of preparedness and coordination.
They now have a safer and more resilient community space within their own village following the commissioning of the Buretu Community Hall and Evacuation Centre Project by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi R Ditoka.
Funded by the Government through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management at a total cost of more than $220,000, the project included the retrofitting of the existing community hall, improvements to sanitation systems, and structural reinforcements to ensure safety and functionality for families during extreme weather events.
Speaking during the commissioning, Hon. Ditoka said the development underscored the Government's commitment to building safer, more resilient communities, particularly those vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
"The government's priority is to ensure that every Fijian, wherever they live, is protected and supported in times of need," said Hon. Ditoka.
"This investment is about ensuring that our communities are safe, that families have secure spaces during disasters, and that development reaches every corner of our nation."
Beyond its role as a disaster evacuation facility, the Buretu Community Hall will serve as a hub for
community activities, leadership training, and village development planning during normal times.
"We want this hall to be a place of safety during times of disaster, but also a space of learning, unity, and progress during normal times.
"The success of projects like this depends on the continued partnership between the Government, community leaders, and the people themselves. Development can only be sustained when we all take responsibility for protecting and maintaining what we have been given."
Buretu Village Headman Mr. Manasa Sovaki said the project was a timely and much-needed intervention, as the village continues to experience the worsening effects of climate change.
"Our village is very prone to seawater intrusion, and over the years, rising sea levels have made it difficult for families living close to the shore," he said.
"This new community hall and evacuation centre is a blessing for us. It gives our people a safe place to shelter when disasters strike and a proper space to come together for community meetings and programs. We are deeply thankful to the Government for this timely assistance."
Mr. Sovaki added that the project not only enhances disaster preparedness but also restores a sense of pride and ownership among villagers.
Hon. Ditoka also urged the community of Buretu to remain vigilant and proactive as Fiji approaches the cyclone season, emphasising the importance of preparedness and coordination.
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