As the nation steps forward in enhancing flood mitigation purposes, Government Ministries today signed a Memorandum of Understanding which is aimed at mitigating flood risks and adapting to the impacts of climate change in Fiji.
Stakeholders that were present were the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and iTaukei Land Trust Board.
Director for the Ministry of Waterways, Marau Vuli says the MOU outlines the stakeholder's commitment to providing necessary approvals, permits and licenses for the engaged private contractors.
Vuli says this is a chance to make a real difference and protect communities from the devastating impacts of climate change and the collaboration between the various ministries and private contractors would be crucial.
He says they could develop a standardised approach to emergency dredging and flood mitigation by pooling their resources and expertise.
He adds that the partnership could be a game-changer for the country, it is time to put the plan into action and start making a difference.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael says the signing is a demonstration of their commitment towards the desilting activities that will be done, in light of the increased frequency of flooding events in Fiji.
He says the Ministries need to ensure the activities are not done at the expense of protecting the environment and conserving it, but to mitigate flood risks and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
He adds if these activities are going to bring harm to the environment, they will need to put more strategic conditions on how they should desilt these rivers and drainage in Fiji.
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