The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in
partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently held
meetings with community elders, village development committee and other
stakeholders on the development of community action plan.
The action plan development programme targeted 15 communities within North Bank Region and it is geared towards establishing the culture of safety and resilience at community levels through the use of knowledge and innovation.
The action plan is to be developed with a view to enhance community resilience building, vulnerability assessment, vulnerability maps on disasters, among other things.
The one day community action plan development forum was held in Barra, Lower Nuimi District, North Bank Region.
During the forum, the communities were empowered to identify hazards that poised threat to human lives, livelihood and the environment.
In his welcoming remark, Alhaji Babucarr Faye, Alkalo of Barra, thanked NDMA and UNDP for organising the programme.
He called on the authorities and humanitarians to help safeguard his community landscape from being washed away.
Barra Alkalo also appealed for the upgrading of Barra car park toilet with proper drainage system that meets public health standard.
He also called for proper cleansing of gutters and drainage channels in the village to allow free flow of water.
Hudul E.N Colley, disaster coordinator for Banjul, said the forum would contribute to mitigating all forms of hazards to improve lives and livelihood.
He thanked the community of Barra for their support and cooperation in the identification and mapping out community resources for the prevention and mitigation of disasters.
Momodou B.K Ceesay, regional disaster management coordinator for North Bank Region, said disaster prevention and mitigation calls for concerted efforts of all stakeholders.
He called on the people to be proactive and take ownership of disaster management initiatives.
Bibhuti Bhusan Gadanayak, UNDP Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist, said the forum would gather accurate information on community hazards.
He noted that the involvement of village disaster management committee is vital in the development of village plans to mitigate the effects of disaster.
Mr Gadanayak said resources and hazard mapping would contribute in providing humanitarian relief to the affected population through the use of local resources to enhance respond.
According to him, there exist cordial relationship between the UNDP and the NDMA in the transfer of technical input to enhance humanitarian works and respond.
Bala Touray, Officer Commanding Barra Fire and Rescue Services, urged people to be more vigilant on the management of domestic fire.
He noted that certain fire outbreaks due to electric shocks could be avoided if people hire the services of qualify electrician to carry out proper wiring of houses.
Mr Touray also warned that the gas bottle and fumigation should be handled with care, to avoid fire outbreaks.
