By Alhaji Haruna Sani
Save the Children in Sierra Leone (SCI), in collaboration with disaster management agencies and other key stakeholders, has concluded a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies.
The event, held at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel, brought together representatives from districts councils, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet), the National Fire Force, World Hope International, and children’s groups.
The workshop focused on identifying emerging hazards and developing effective response mechanisms. Stakeholders adopted a comprehensive document reflecting their collective perspectives on disaster management.
SCI’s Deputy Director of Programme Operations, Abdl-Akim Sheriff, emphasized the organization’s commitment to proactive disaster planning. He noted that SCI is reviewing hazard identification for 2024 and will ensure its response teams are adequately trained.
The organization aims to establish framework agreements with suppliers to facilitate timely interventions, such as cash transfers and school material distribution, in the event of disasters like floods or fires.
Sheriff also highlighted SCI’s focus on children with special needs, ensuring their unique requirements are identified and addressed in disaster response plans.
Saidu Bah, a pupil from Milton Margai School for the Blind, praised SCI’s inclusive approach. He noted that the workshop provided an opportunity for visually impaired individuals to contribute to disaster management discussions.
He stressed the need for tailored support for people with disabilities during emergencies, such as assistance in evacuating during fires.
Bintu Fatmata Kamara Esq,, National PRO of the National Fire Force, described the training as insightful, particularly in addressing various disaster scenarios, including fires, floods, and epidemics.
She highlighted key challenges in firefighting, such as delayed emergency calls, traffic congestion, and difficult terrain. Despite those obstacles, she reaffirmed the Fire Force’s commitment to swift and effective response.
“The workshop also facilitated discussions on strategic measures to mitigate fire incidents, which are more frequent during the dry season, she said.”
Philomina I. Turay, Deputy Director of Communications at NDMA, commended SCI for providing a platform to discuss disaster preparedness. She emphasized that preparedness is the backbone of disaster risk reduction and response.
Turay assured that contributions from the workshop would be integrated into the national disaster management plan. She reiterated NDMA’s focus on responding to disasters rather than minor incidents, clarifying that SCI’s intervention threshold typically involves at least ten affected households.
Participants acknowledged the importance of proactive planning, reinforcing the principle that “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” The workshop concluded with strengthened commitments from all stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure swift, coordinated responses to emergencies in Sierra Leone.
