NDMA Formalizes Disaster Management Committees in Western Rural District

In a significant step towards bolstering disaster preparedness, the Western Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo played host to a formalization workshop for stakeholders. The purpose of the gathering was to establish the Western Rural District Disaster Management Committees, emphasizing the theme “Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response to ‘Build Back Better’ in Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction.”

The meeting, presided over by Western Region Coordinator Gerald King, saw the Chairman for the occasion, Deputy Director General of NDMA, John Vandy Rogers, shedding light on the genesis of the National Disaster Management Agency. He traced its roots to post-rebel war reforms in 2002, which eventually led to the establishment of the Office of National Security (ONS). Notably, part V subsection 4 of the National Security and Central Intelligence Act of 2002 paved the way for ONS.

Mr. Rogers delved into the historical backdrop, highlighting the initiation of the Disaster Management Unit within ONS on June 4, 2004. This unit’s primary responsibility was to collaborate with the University of Sierra Leone and other partners, supported by UNDP, to develop a comprehensive national hazard profile over a one-year period. The resulting National Hazard Profile encompassed various hazards, including climatic, geographical, epidemic, and human-induced threats.

Enumerating the challenges faced by the country, Mr. Rogers emphasized significant events such as the major flood in 2015 and the devastating mudslide incident on August 14. He underscored President Bio’s commitment to establishing an agency dedicated to disaster management, culminating in the approval of the NDMA Act on June 8, 2020.

According to the Act, Disaster Management Committees are to be established at the regional, district, and chiefdom levels, with NDMA serving as the secretary in their monthly or emergency meetings. The District Security Coordinator, expressing gratitude for this timely move, outlined specific challenges in the district, including sand mining and flooding. He affirmed their commitment to collaborate with NDMA on disaster incidents.

Representatives from the Brigade Commander of the RSLAF highlighted their pivotal role in contributing to disaster response, drawing parallels with their involvement during the Ebola outbreak and the August 14 mudslide. The Local Unit Commander of the Sierra Leone Police, Waterloo Division, pledged the police force’s commitment to work closely with NDMA in identifying preventive measures and ensuring the committee’s success.

Marie Bangura, Youth Council Chairman, acknowledged the government’s and NDMA’s efforts in forming the Disaster Management Committees. She highlighted the youths’ past contributions during Ebola and Covid-19 outbreaks and emphasized the importance of sensitization for a disaster-free environment.

The representative for the Chairman of the West Rural District Council expressed gratitude for the committee’s establishment and highlighted the council’s role in disaster support over the years. He called for collaboration with NDMA, the central government, and partners to address challenges such as land grabbing, sand mining, and deforestation.

In concluding the workshop, the Program Director of Partnership clarified that the Committee had already been established by the Act, and NDMA’s role was to formalize it. Deputy Director General John Vandy Rogers officially formalized the District Disaster Committee, reminding participants of their authority and responsibilities under the NDMA Act of 2020. He urged them to conduct regular meetings, assessments, and communicate developments to the NDMA for effective disaster management.