Two Port Vila communities are now better equipped to respond to future natural disasters following the handover of new multi-purpose evacuation centres in Freshwater and Seaside.
The facilities are designed to provide safe shelter for residents during emergencies while serving as community centres throughout the year.
The evacuation centres were funded by the Asian Development Bank under the Greater Port Vila Urban Resilience Project and constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Solomon Napuat said the facilities are more than emergency shelters.
“In the past, elderly people, women and children often struggled to find a safe place during disasters. Today that story changes. Communities now have a shelter close to home where families can access safety during emergencies.”
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu, who officially opened the centres, said maintaining the facilities will be critical to ensuring they remain ready whenever disasters strike.
“We must maintain these buildings to the highest standard. Freshwater is fortunate to now have a community centre it never had before, and during disasters it will serve as a top-standard evacuation centre for the community.”
Responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the buildings has now been handed to the Port Vila City Council, while residents are being encouraged to take ownership of the facilities and help protect them.
Port Vila’s Lady Mayor said community cooperation will be essential to keeping the centres in good condition.
“We must all look after these facilities because they are here to protect and benefit every member of our community.”
Minister Napuat also announced that the Government is seeking additional support to construct more evacuation centres in other areas of Port Vila as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness across the capital.
