The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) conducted training sessions at Orealla and Siparuta in Region Six earlier this month with the intention of transforming them into models on how to manage disaster risk.
Major Kester Craig, Training and Operations Officer of the CDC told GINA that work is currently ongoing to make them model communities for Community-Based Disaster Risk Management
Craig said the training ensures that the requisite knowledge and skills are in place.
“We are hoping that we can partner with community based NGOs and the Ministry of Communities. Community based training helps to strengthen the local government arms at the community levels,” Craig said.
Anita Wilson, Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Officer and Volunteer Coordinator of the CDC, told GINA that the programme which is sponsored by the United Nations Children Fund is being implemented by CDC, its Region Six Volunteers and UNICEF.
“With the communities having established a committee of persons (one for each community) to lead the process, we are building the capacity of the team for disaster risk management and emergency response,” Wilson said.
Community Leadership Training was also done so as to establish Manage-ment teams that will be responsible for the implementation of the disaster relief management (DRM) plans for the community and which are being developed through the project.
“Community leadership was specifically done because a concern was raised by the residents that they have had many committees established. However, persons lack the leadership skills and qualities to continue the work after agencies pull out. The training was done to mitigate and prevent such an instance in this case,” Wilson told GINA.
Orealla and Siparuta were chosen because the CDC’s Development of the Regional DRM for Region Six had noted that these communities were highly vulnerable because of their remoteness from the rest of the regional network.
“We identified the need to build the community’s systems so that they can be better able to manage and respond before regional interventions are required. The CDC will continue to work with the communities and hopes to feature them during this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Wilson stated.
Upcoming missions to Orealla and Siparuta will include the development and vetting of emergency disaster plans and, equipping the established committees with kits which would have the necessary equipment, uniform and other accessories.
GINA said that in 2016, the Civil Defence Commission will be focusing on Community- Based Disaster Risk Management plans in most vulnerable communities in Regions Four, Six and Nine.
