Working in partnership with the U.S. government, the people of Lonamilo have taken great strides to improve community resilience through the construction of a multipurpose structure in their village.
Radio Vanuatu reports U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Catherine Ebert-Gray, led the inauguration of the structure today.
She was joined by Mr. Ham Lini Vanuaroroa, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management; Mr. Jotham Napat, Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities; Mr. Jesse Benjamin, of the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department; and Mr. Raynold Surmat, Mr. Nakat Kuckrey and Mr. Daniel Samson of the Tafea Local Government.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Coastal Community Adaptation project (C-CAP) began working with the community in 2014. Lonamilo community members, in partnership with C-CAP identified an evacuation center as their community's priority need. The multipurpose structure will serve as as a shelter for community members during storm events and will also serve as a primary school for the community.
USAID constructed the building with reinforced materials to withstand category 5 tropical cyclone conditions. It is accessible for people living with disabilities, and also has basic solar lighting and water and sanitation facilities. Additionally, the structure functions as a rainwater catchment system, with 10,000 liter storage capacity and includes technology to improve the quality of water that is stored. USAID has provided 10 communities across Vanuatu similar support, directly benefiting nearly 1,200 people.
“The United States government is pleased to have worked closely with the community on this project to increase climate change resilience. We remain committed to help Vanuatu achieve its development goals, and improve the quality of life for all,” said Ambassador Ebert-Gray.
Through C-CAP, USAID builds the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in the Pacific Islands region. The project works in nine Pacific Island nations: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Project activities include rehabilitating and constructing new, small-scale community infrastructure and building capacity for disaster prevention and preparedness.