We need to equip Vulnerable Communities before the Cyclone Season – PRF/WRFL

Pacific Recycling Foundation and Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited are in preparation mode for the approaching cyclone season and actively seeking partnerships to stock up on personal protective equipment and other essentials for those involved in the waste management sector. 

PRF Founder and WRFL Director/CEO, Mr. Amitesh Deo said waste management sector is always hit hard during natural disasters, particularly those engaged in informal waste picking.

Mr. Deo said they work closely with the Collection Pillars of Recycling from Vunato Settlement in Lautoka, who depend on waste picking as their only source of income. 

“We need to understand that these women and their families are very vulnerable to natural disasters. This settlement easily gets affected by flood waters and there have been instances where families have been displaced during natural disasters. It took over six months for many CPRs to resume work following the devastation caused by TC Winston in 2016, and during this period, they were not able to earn for their families,” said Mr. Deo.

According to Mr. Deo, they have also noticed that essential relief items in some cases have arrived late in some communities following the impact of natural disasters.

“The most vulnerable in our communities need immediate assistance and based on past experiences, we are urging authorities and relevant agencies to better equip some of these communities before the cyclone season.

He said development partners as well as the private sector can work with them to strengthen community resilience in some of these areas as we prepare for the cyclone season. 

Mr. Deo said preparedness plan is a critical element and the idea should be to quickly get people back on their feet. 

Meanwhile, PRF and WRFL are reaching out to municipal councils to ensure drains and creeks are cleared to reduce the risk of flooding.