By: Haruna Kuyateh
The authorities of the Regional Disaster Management Committee of North Bank Region have held a day meeting on disaster and response strategy which aimed to improve the welfare of disaster affected families.
The Governor of North Bank Region Lamin Saidykhan speaking at the meeting called for collective efforts of partners to support the National Disaster Management Agency in generating comprehensive data that can be shared with donors and development partners.
“There is need for closer collaboration and networking among members, to enhance effective humanitarian assistance to affected families,” he said.
He thanked President Adama Barrow for personal donation of D2million, Kerewan Area Council provides D500,000 worth of 690 bags of 25kilos rice, Kerr Jarja Foundation of Jokadou for rice and cooking to the community of Kerr Jarja Jobe worth D275,000 and Lang Conteh of Kinteh Kunda Janneh Ya for providing D500,000 to the peoples of Lower Badibou, following recent windstorm in July.
Lamin Saidy Regional Disaster Management Coordinator said the agency is aware of displacement of families affected by windstorm and stressed the need for concerted of institutions and NGOs. He used the moment to informed members that over 2000 households and more than 34, 000 peoples were affected as assessment is ongoing.
He disclosed that government through NDMA has extended cash transfer of D8million to 455 households and verification continues before next trench of cash transfer informing the meeting that UNFPA delivered dignity kits of sanitary materials 224 buckets and 225 bags that contain bleach, soap and menstrual pads.
Mama Manneh Executive Director of Njawara Agricultural Training Centre calls for adequate resource mobilisation and coordination to mitigate effect of climate change. The Director noted there is need to engage state own enterprise and financial institutions to support the committee in humanitarian respond to disaster victims.
RDMC called for operation of water hydrant points across the region, noting that it would help Fire and Rescue Services to respond to fire and by extension contribute to save lives and properties.