The National Disaster Management Office is looking at a time frame of 6 to 10 weeks for the procurement and installation of the 5 new tsunami warning sirens in the Suva area.
This was highlighted by Director National Disaster Management Office, Anare Leweniqila when questioned by Fijivillage today on when the new tsunami warning sirens will be in place.
There will be five new sirens in the Suva Municipal Area in addition to the two tsunami warning sirens located at lower USP campus and in Lami Town.
The proposed sites for the new sirens are Rifle Range Road, Naboro Waste Disposal Plant, Suva City Centre, Old Parliament House in Veiuto and Walu Bay.
Fijivillage has also questioned Leweniqila about the other densely populated coastal areas in the country that do not have sirens.
Leweniqila says they are focusing on improving awareness regarding tsunamis and the evacuation plans in place for the areas that cannot be covered by the sirens.
He adds that as majority of the sirens are being donated, government will look at identifying priority areas that are vulnerable to tsunamis first and areas outside Suva are also being considered in their plans.
While launching the National Disaster Awareness Week at Sukuna Park this morning, Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has stressed that this week is about creating awareness on our roles and responsibilities as Fijians.
He adds that the National Disaster Awareness Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned from past disasters, improve awareness and information dissemination, and identify areas for collaboration for future events.
Kubuabola says this week will also focus on increasing understanding and preparation for tsunamis.
National Disaster Awareness Week will be recognised throughout the four divisions next week beginning today.
