By Kumba Leigh
The French Development Agency (AFD) has supported The Gambia’s disaster management efforts by committing substantial financial assistance to the country’s disaster prevention and management agency – National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). The one million Euros assistance has been worthy of essential equipment including pick-up vehicles, motor cycles and data collecting tablets.
AFD and the Agency held a presentation ceremony on Friday, January 24th 2025 at the NDMA headquarters in Kanifing.
In an interview after the presentation, the Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency, Sanna Dahaba, recollected that in 2022 The Gambia was confronted with a catastrophic flood that severely impacted the lives of over fifty thousand individuals, leaving many families in desperate need of assistance. “Recognising the magnitude of the disaster, the National Disaster Management Agency reached out for support from the French Development Agency (AFD). Demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian aid, AFD responded affirmatively”.
He said the financial assistance is intended not only to aid the recovery of flood victims, but also to bolster the institutional capacity of the NDMA, to ensure a more effective response to future disasters.
He went on: “This will enhance operational readiness particularly during the rainy season.”
Mr Dahaba revealed that the NDMA had utilised part of the funds to procure crucial equipment, including 125 tablets for data collection and management, 8 motorbikes for rapid mobility, 8 water pumping machines and 5 pick-ups cars to strengthen the agency’s capacity.”
He explained that these items will be strategically positioned in the regions to optimise disaster response efforts and facilitate timely assistance to those in need.
Mr Dahaba also informed that part of the funds will be used to construct 31 flood resistant houses for flood affected households in 2022 across the country, noting that the beneficiaries will be identified based on clear-cut criteria.
The NDMA boss expressed gratitude to the French Development Agency for their generous support and assured that the equipment donated will be utilised effectively to serve the communities before, during and after emergencies or disasters.
He thanked The Gambia Government and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Office of the Vice President for their vital role, steadfastness and leadership in facilitating the grant.
