FRIEND Fiji meets with disaster committees in Vitogo to plan and facilitate resources needed for disaster preparedness

FRIEND Fiji is meeting with disaster committees in Vitogo on a weekly basis to help plan and try to facilitate resources needed for ongoing disaster preparedness.

They had conducted a survey in 15 communities in the Vitogo District and found that flooding and weak housing structures were a concern as we head into the cyclone season.

FRIEND Fiji CEO Sashi Kiran says the communities organised a cleanup campaign and took out rusty white goods that could clog drains.

Kiran says flooding was the biggest threat identified, often caused by clogging of drains through household waste, flood gates and poor drainage and this is why they facilitated a cleanup campaign in the communities with the help of the Lautoka City Council.

She says they are grateful to the Lautoka City Council for providing trucking services and waiving the fees at the Vunato Rubbish Dump.

Kiran says rural communities do not have access to rubbish disposal sites and their waste are dumped in drains and creeks.

Kiran says they are also organising carpenters and tools to help families strengthen their homes.

If you want to assist these families, you can contact FRIEND Fiji on 8983183 or friend@connect.com.fj You can also get details on our Hands Across Fiji section of our website, fijivillage.