Thirty participants from the Central Division have completed a two week ‘build back better’ rural carpentry training in Vatukarasa Village in the highlands of Tailevu. The training, which is funded by the Government through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services, intends to equip rural dwellers with skills and techniques to construct quality and durable homes.
The rural carpenters training program is also aimed at addressing a demand for carpenters outside urban areas.
Ministry permanent secretary, Meleti Bainimarama, while officiating at the closure of the training, said the Government’s intent was to raise the ability of homes to withstand cyclonic winds.
Bainimarama told participants that data collected after Tropical Cyclone Winston indicated that majority of houses damaged by the cyclone were located in rural areas and that the carpentry training program was an initiative to reduce damage risks to property and loss of lives.
The training is also an initiative to instil “build back better” techniques with those who were affected by past cyclones.
Rural Housing Programme Manager, Joji Waqamailau said, “We’ve incorporated disaster risk reduction measures into the restoration of dwelling places, teaching participants simple tips such as strappings along joints, bracings for the roofing structure, or extra nailing for cyclone proof purposes”.
“In this way, we’re not only training carpenters for rural housing purposes, but we’re mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into our development initiatives,” Waqamailau said.
Facilitated by the Fiji National University, the training program included participants from the provinces within the Central Division.
Pastor Malakai Koroirara, 40, from Natavea Village in Naitasiri, said he was eager to be part of the training because he had some experience in small construction works.
“I am really glad for this opportunity and this will help me in my duties as a pastor. I’ve learned some tips in strengthening our homes to withstand strong winds and hurricanes,” Koroirara said.
Josua Vatuloka of Drekena Village in Rewa was happy to participate in the practical exercise which included the construction of a teacher’s living quarters at Coloi Naivakacere Primary School.