Government’s recent $17 million investment in fiber optic network will go a long way in enhancing communication between authorities and people during disasters in the country.Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services, Jone Usamate says Fiji is currently transitioning from radio connectivity to fiber optic link.
Speaking at the 3rd Pacific Regional Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Workshop Minister says seamless communication is crucial during an event of disaster.
“It is important to know that the value of having a state of the art technology will only be realized when effective communication is disseminated through a timely manner. In any emergency situation, the ability to communicate real time information is vital,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services, Jone Usamate.
Usamate says clear communication can lead to timely decisions where lives and properties can be saved.
Meanwhile experts from the communication and technology sector including practitioners from disaster management will be mapping out simple messaging platforms to improve communications during national disasters.
‘Tropical Cyclone Winston provided the ultimate test to our communication system indicating that we have our strengths and limitations.”
Usamate said workshop provides a good opportunity to examine the relevance of such cluster, especially with the growth of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and We Chat.
He adds we can utilize such platforms to disseminate vital information for preparedness, early warning, and early recovery and for humanitarian response.
The three day workshop will focus on presentations from the region and other development strategies on communications and technology.
