A new $1.78 million evacuation centre will be built in Tamavua Village as part of the Coalition Government’s efforts to recognise communities that have contributed land and natural resources towards Fiji’s development.

The announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony by the Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, who said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting resource-owning communities through projects that improve their quality of life.

Funded under the Infrastructure Natural Resource Owners Grant Programme, the $1,779,821 project acknowledges Tamavua Village’s longstanding contribution as the home of the Savura Raw Water Catchment and Pump Station, a key source of raw water supplying communities throughout the greater Suva and Lami corridor.

Hon. Ro Filipe thanked the people and landowners of Tamavua for making their land and water resources available for the benefit of the nation, noting that their contribution continues to meet the daily water needs of thousands of Fijians.

The two-storey evacuation centre has been designed to strengthen community resilience while serving both emergency and everyday purposes.

The ground floor will include a Women’s Resource Centre, kitchen, dispensary and washroom facilities for men, women and persons with disabilities.

The upper floor will accommodate a multi-purpose hall for community meetings, training, recreational activities and emergency shelter.

The project will also include the construction of a retaining wall along with improved vehicle and pedestrian access to enhance accessibility and resilience.

Ro Filipe said the development forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to investing in resilient infrastructure while ensuring communities that contribute to national development also benefit from practical improvements that enhance safety, preparedness and community wellbeing.

He added that the Ministry’s Public Works Department will oversee the project to ensure it is completed to high standards of quality, safety and accountability.