Six boats with engines donated to Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management received six boats with engines and spare parts from the Japanese Government.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Ambassador of Japan Masahiro Omura says he hopes the boats and equipment will improve Fiji’s disaster preparedness, disaster response and help restore Fijian livelihoods affected by natural disasters.

Omura says based on Japan’s experience on natural disasters and lessons learnt, they are providing emergency relief as well as medium to long term assistance to Fiji to “Build Back Better”.

He says they are working closely with the Fijian Government to enhance the resilience of all Fijians against natural disasters.

Omura adds Japan has recently extended its funding assistance worth FJ$17 million for the provision of disaster risk reduction equipment such as Tsunami early warning systems, as well as a dredger and an ice plant.

The Ambassador highlighted in May this year, Japan has disbursed FJ$44.7 million from Japan’s Stand-by Loan Facility to support Fiji’s recovery and restoration efforts following TC Harold.