The training was delivered by the National Disaster Management Agency, NDMA, in collaboration with the Regional Disaster Management Office and funded by FASDEP Technical Assistance Component and implemented by Food and Agriculture Organisation.
In her remarks, the governor of West Coast Region, Aminata Siffai Hydara praised members of the committee for their commitment, dedication and hard work during the three-day exercise saying that the training document reflected the true picture of the hazards found within the region.
Hydara thanked FAO/FASDEP for funding the training while stressing the need to enlighten district authorities and National Assembly Members on the FASDEP Technical Assistance Component Project in The Gambia.
On his part, the deputy executive director at the National Disaster Management Agency, Mr Serign Modou Joof said the training enabled participants to better understand issues surrounding disaster.
He added: ” The training will help the participants in the development of district contingency plans for the prevention of disasters and mitigation as well as coordinate ward plans and disseminate information to educate the public on issues such as the hazards and natural disasters which are likely to affect the region.”
FASDEP Technical Assistance Component and Nutrition Expert Yankuba Sawo noted that building the capacity of regional disaster management committees on disaster risk reduction and resilience was essential. He said the training exercise was also aimed at identifying the hazards as well empowering RDMCs to enable them work better with local communities.
Binta Sey Jadama, the regional disaster coordinator told the participants that disaster management approach had changed from response to mitigation. She challenged them to always ask and share information before giving answers to victims on disaster response and preparedness for better coordination.
Yusupha Bojang, a participant, noted that the training had availed them the opportunity to learn firsthand on how to respond to disasters when they occur.
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