Speaking at the gathering, Karamo Jatta highlighted the achievements of the Saama Kairo Federation, noting its continuous support to schools, women, and children. He emphasised the Federation’s role in empowering young people through gardening initiatives and explained that the day’s meeting centred on disaster management and environmental sustainability.
Modou B. Ceesay, Manager and Director of Operations at the NDMA Brikama Office, explained that the purpose of the sensitisation exercise was to educate the community on disaster risk reduction and management. He engaged participants by asking about the meaning and role of the NDMA, commending them for their responses.
Mr Ceesay elaborated on measures to control disasters within communities, stressing the importance of coordination between central and local government structures. He noted that every village should establish an Environmental Committee, chaired by the Alkalo, to oversee environmental protection.
He further highlighted key environmental challenges facing Basori Village, including wind erosion, flooding, bushfires, and deforestation. He explained that fires are often caused by heat, air, or electrical factors, while deforestation contributes significantly to environmental degradation. He also warned against settlement in areas prone to water erosion and flooding, urging both the Alkalo and the VDC to advise community members accordingly.
Additionally, he pointed out that activities such as charcoal burning and poor environmental practices contribute to disasters, including damage to the ozone layer, which increases heat levels. In his concluding remarks, Mr Ceesay called on community members to support one another, protect vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities, and promptly report any disasters.
Also speaking at the event, Omar Sowe emphasised the importance of including persons with disabilities in disaster planning by ensuring accessibility features such as ramps in public spaces and homes. He highlighted other causes of disasters as including but not limited to road accidents, flooding, poor waste management, and natural hazards such as storms, lightning, and extreme sunshine. He further urged the VDC to establish a Disaster Management Sub‑Committee within the village structure.
During the question‑and‑answer session, participants discussed issues such as migration and its impact on disasters. Mr Ceesay encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained with others in the community.
Participants, including Abdoulie Camara and Ousman Ceesay, expressed appreciation to the Saama Kairo Federation and the NDMA team for educating them on disaster prevention and management.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Ebrima Ceesay, Chairman of the Basori Village Development Committee. He thanked the organisers, facilitators, and participants for their contributions, emphasised the importance of reporting disasters and sharing information within the community, and extended a warm invitation to the Saama Kairo Federation and the NDMA team to visit Basori Village at any time.
