Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has commenced engagement with Chiefdom Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) across 16 chiefdoms in Kono and Tonkolili Districts.
NDMA is now equipping them with practical tools and localized action plans designed to strengthen preparedness and response at the community level. With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Furthermore, to boost the preparedness of the committees, the NDMA will distribute 320 shovels, 320 pickaxes, 80 rakes, 48 wheelbarrows, 320 pairs of gloves, 160 raincoats, 160 pairs of rain boots, and 160 pairs of safety boots across the chiefdoms. Alongside the tools, the committees are receiving training to ensure proper use and to enhance their capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies while also engaging in preventive activities that reduce disaster risks.
The training will focus on hazard profiling of each of the chiefdoms, risk assessment, early warning systems, contingency planning, community participation, and risk communication. NDMA believes that with these action plans, tools, and trainings, the targeted communities will be better positioned to manage hazards and build long-term resilience.
NDMA’s Chief of Operations, Mr. Kai Banya, noted the importance of the intervention and acknowledged UNDP’s continued support in strengthening disaster management in Sierra Leone.
“The action plans were drafted together with the community members themselves, and they are committed to implementing them. I’m happy to see the people taking ownership of this process. NDMA remains committed to fully integrating communities into the national disaster response system,” he said.
Paramount Chief Alimamy Baio Yembeh V of Kalanthuba Chiefdom in Tonkolili District stressed the importance of community involvement. “Strengthening these committees with action plans and tools gives us the ability to respond better to risks. Knowledge empowers communities to design strategies that fit their realities, and local involvement is the foundation of effective disaster risk reduction,” he noted.
Finally, NDMA said they remain committed to building a safer and more resilient country where communities are not just beneficiaries of disaster response, but active partners in reducing risks and protecting lives.
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