A rapid response boat together with its accessories which is valued at $861,144 has been given to the National Disaster Management Office.
The rapid response boat was given by the New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
New Zealand High Commission’s Pacific Regional and Fiji Bilateral Counselor Johnathan Rowe commended the work of the NDMO in Fiji and said that the New Zealand Government was glad to provide a valuable asset to boost the work of disaster responders in Fiji.
Permanent Secretary for Disaster Management Meleti Bainimarama says disaster management work in Fiji is unique and also challenging given the spread of the communities.
He adds that the provision of such assets will greatly assist the Ministry in reaching out to some of these communities especially those islands in the Maritime areas.
Disaster responders are undergoing training with technicians from New Zealand on the safe and proper operation of the vessel.
