By Isatou Fofana
The Director of National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has disclosed that The Gambia government is set to distribute an emergency food package to seriously affected flood victims across the country.
Mr. Sanna Dahaba said that the government is providing a rapid relief package of rice, sugar, and oil. The food items are being offloaded at the World Food Programme Banjul office.
“The government is doing all it can to make sure support reaches to the affected families and communities with food and medication,” he noted
According to him, his office had engaged the local councils before the rainy season in a bid to look for mitigation ways to avert potential disaster.
He heaped praises on President Adama Barrow and his government for always being concerned about the welfare of Gambians.
He added that in any disaster situation, the government bears the primary responsibility which shows why both the Vice President and the President, led by NDMA visited the affected communities.
“We have visited several places just for the government to see for themselves. If there is any policy to respond to disaster, then the government will have first-hand information as far as NDMA is concerned,’’ he noted.
He went on to explain that the authority is conducting a rapid response which will follow a detailed response. ‘’At our level, we have engaged all stakeholders and partners so that we can perform a joint assessment’’.
Mr. Dahaba said that the outcome of these assessments will inform the next stage that the government will provide in terms of rapid response and assistance.