The issue of disaster is an inevitable phenomenon that affects every setting, Liberia being of no exception.

Disasters emanating from flooding, fire outbreaks, wind storm, earthquakes, among others, have led to loss of lives and properties thus requiring emergency interventions.

Here in Liberia, wind storm, fire outbreaks and flooding are prevalent among disaster cases.

The Liberian Government has since commissioned the National Disaster Management Agency to address disaster-related issues across the country.

But what remains a challenge is the availability of adequate funding and logistical support for the Agency to enhance its operations.

Government has been doing the widow’s might in identifying with disaster victims, but owing to the expensive nature, the government cannot do it alone.

That is why Liberia’s Vice President; Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Na-Sakoku Mayo Taylor has re-echoed government’s support to NDMA, with a passionate plea for international partners to increase logistical support to the Agency, if disaster risk reduction must be tackled across the country.

Most recently, the first regional office of the National Disaster Management Agency was officially dedicated by the Government in Gbarnga City, Central Liberia, as a means of decentralizing its operations from the Monrovia-based Office.

We hail the National Government’s plans to decentralize disaster risk reduction activities in Liberia.  We admonish the Government, through the National Legislature, for an increased budgetary support for the entity to enhance its operations.

“We must acknowledge the financial and technical support from partners, especially the UNDP, which has enabled the NDMA to achieve a lot in the past four years as intoned by its head, Mr. Henry Williams, during the dedication of the regional office in Gbarnga.

Indeed, we must applaud Government and international partners for initiating some policies for the Agency, including training of staff, setting up of the National Early Warning and Emergency Operating Center, the development of the National Multi-Hazard and Contingency plan, and the Gender policy for Disaster Risk Reduction, among others.

This has been an ELBC Commentary titled: “Disaster Management…  a huge task that requires collective support from government and partners”.       

By: Victor  D. Kezelee, Sr.