Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The newly appointed Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), John V. Rogers, made his first public appearance on Thursday following his appointment by President Julius Maada Bio.
Speaking during a special engagement, DG Rogers shared his vision for the Agency and highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across Sierra Leone.
During the interview, Rogers emphasized the significant progress the NDMA has made in strengthening its disaster management framework. He outlined the development of key policy documents, including the Service Delivery Charter, Preparedness, Response and Recovery Plan, Risk Management Policy, and Standard Operating Procedures for Relief Support. These, he said, are vital in guiding the Agency’s efforts to manage disasters effectively throughout the country.
Rogers also highlighted efforts to improve data management within the Agency. He announced that the NDMA had acquired tablets and digital tools, including the Sierra Leone Incident Management System (SLIMS) and Kobo-based tools, which allow for real-time data collection, coordination, and storage. Additionally, the NDMA has procured a drone to assist in aerial assessments, capturing high-quality images and videos to inform emergency responses.
Addressing flood risks, particularly in Freetown, Rogers assured the public that the NDMA continues to map flood-prone areas and is taking proactive steps to reduce hazards. He noted that every year, the Agency implements a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy that includes clearing clogged drainages, engaging communities, and helping residents adapt to their environments.
The Director General also focused on capacity-building within the Agency. He spoke about the NDMA’s strategic partnerships with Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom and Georgia University in the United States, which have helped the Agency expand its human resource base. Rogers revealed that, through these partnerships, the NDMA secured a Commonwealth Scholarship last year for a staff member to pursue a Master’s degree in Disaster Management. He committed to seeking more international training opportunities to further enhance the Agency’s capacity.
Rogers also commended the World Bank for its continued support of the NDMA. He noted that the Bank has provided extensive office equipment, supported nationwide simulation exercises, and is funding the construction of a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center. He reassured the Bank that the NDMA is committed to meeting all required benchmarks to maintain its financial and technical support.
Rogers further disclosed that his leadership had made an official visit to the Turkish Embassy in Freetown to explore potential partnerships for equipment and technical support. He highlighted Turkey’s advanced expertise in disaster management and expressed his intention to further strengthen international collaboration.
In terms of coordination, Rogers emphasized the importance of collaboration with local actors in managing disasters. He spoke about the Inter Pillar Coordination Group (IPCG) meeting, a monthly platform that brings together various ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and partners involved in disaster management. The IPCG meetings, he said, help identify emerging issues and assign responsibilities to relevant stakeholders.
Rogers also provided an update on the NDMA’s decentralization efforts. He confirmed that with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Agency has established Regional, District, and Community Disaster Management Committees nationwide. These committees, composed of local leaders, civil society actors, and youth groups, aim to integrate disaster prevention and response at the local level.
DG Rogers concluded by reaffirming his commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s disaster management architecture, ensuring that every community is safer, better prepared, and more resilient in the face of potential disasters. “Our focus is clear, we will strengthen Sierra Leone’s disaster management architecture so that every community is safer, better prepared, and more resilient,” he concluded.
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