The government is committed to building and strengthening the Fiji humanitarian cluster system to improve humanitarian response in times of disasters.

This was highlighted by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Permanent Secretary, Meleti Bainimarama, while addressing an Inter-Cluster Forum in Suva last week.

Highlighting the necessity to improve on inter-cluster co-ordination, communication and information sharing, and co-ordination with Government in the field, Mr Bainimarama encouraged clusters to conduct review exercises and to share widely on lessons learnt during Tropical Cyclone Winston response efforts.

“This is a valuable process that will strengthen our future co-operation, and I look forward to hearing the outcomes and your proposed solution which will form policy development and the formulation of a new Cluster Guideline,” Mr Bainimarama said.

Mr Bainimarama further acknowledged the work of the clusters during the TC Winston operation and post Winston recovery.

“I must say that overall each and every cluster did a remarkable job, and I would like to extend my thanks to you and your cluster members for your solid support of the Fiji Government and people,” Mr Bainimarama said.

Clusters are groupings of humanitarian response organisations including both Government and non-government organisations that work in the main sectors of disaster response and humanitarian actions.

Representatives from the following clusters were present at the meeting: health and nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); food security; shelter; safety, protection; education; logistics; and communications.

(Courtesy: Fiji Sun)