Govt needs to completely re-think Fiji’s national disaster response - Tikoduadua

National Federation Party President Pio Tikoduadua says government needs to completely re-think Fiji’s national disaster response.

Tikoduadua says the FijiFirst government had no clear plan to decisively deal with two crises upon us which is the impact of the 3rd wave of COVID-19 and the devastation caused by the recent flooding as a result of TC Cody.

He adds that the government must explain basic failures in its planning and preparedness in its press conference tomorrow and tell the nation how it will improve its performance.

Tikoduadua also questioned why is the government only now asking for tenders for food and other essentials.

He also asked what work did it do before the cyclone season to prevent flooding and other preventable losses.

Tikoduadua says NFP’s vision for disaster response is focused on three things which are community partnership, year-round preparation and clear communication.

He says they want to put the community at the centre with disaster response committees in every community.

Tikoduadua adds these committees will lead the way and the government will support them, working with businesses and the NGOs who already know so much about what to do.

He says they want this to be a year-round exercise to ensure they are preparing all the time like dredging rivers, clearing drains and irrigation channels and making sure evacuation centres and critical government facilities are cyclone-ready.

Tikoduadua adds there must be communication and the need to hear from the people on what they need to be disaster-ready.

Tikoduadua says after disasters occur, we must share information and learn so that we can be better next time.

We have sent questions to the Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu.

He is yet to respond.