We have to build resilient communities - Ardern

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says we have to build resilient communities.

Ardern highlighted this while visiting the RISE (Rising Informal Settlements and the Environments) Project at Tamavua-i-wai in Suva this afternoon.

Ardern says as we face the consequences of climate change, Fiji knows well the consequences of flooding.

The Prime Minister adds the voice of the Pacific is so important on the world stage right now, to remind other world leaders of the real impacts of the environment that the Pacific is facing daily.

She adds you are already a voice on the world stage.

Meanwhile, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Premila Kumar RISE Fiji aims to improve the health and well-being of 3,600 Fijians in 12 informal settlements in the greater Suva area.

She says this project will use innovative, community driven nature based methods to address health, environment, water and sanitation issues faced by people in informal settlements.

Kumar says the RISE project complements the Fijian government’s vision of upgrading informal settlements and supplying safe drinking water and improved sanitation services to every Fijian household.