NDMA Headquarters, Aberdeen, Freetown, Friday, April 12, 2024 In a significant move to enhance the National Disaster Management Agency’s preparedness and data management capabilities, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has donated ICT equipment, which comprises six laptops and three tablets to the agency. The donation reflects the ongoing commitment of both organizations to strengthen NDMA’s capacity to gather data and manage disasters.
Since its establishment, the NDMA has remained steadfast in its mandate to prevent disasters and mitigate their impact on affected populations across Sierra Leone. It has actively collaborated with partners and stakeholders to secure financial and material support to aid disaster victims and assist them in recovering from their losses.
Christos Christodoulides, IOM’s Head of Office, while making his statement stated that the donation is in line with the objectives of a project within his organization to promote a data-driven decision-making process in disaster management. He underscored the significance of the donated ICT equipment in enhancing NDMA’s capabilities. “This donation will facilitate data collection and management for the NDMA, particularly within the framework of the United Nations development plan 2025-2030, which prioritizes climate change and disaster risk reduction,” he remarked.
John V. Rogers, Deputy Director General of the NDMA, expressed gratitude for the donation and emphasized the enduring partnership between NDMA and IOM. He noted that IOM has supported NDMA’s data collection efforts on multiple occasions during incidents such as flash floods, fires, windstorms, and landslides.
Mr. Rogers assured that the donated gadgets would be effectively utilized within the agency’s existing infrastructure, especially in the agency’s situation room for data monitoring and collection. He also called for continued support from other organizations to reinforce NDMA’s endeavours in disaster preparedness and response.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges posed by natural and man-made disasters in the country, noting that partnerships like these offer hope for building resilient communities and safeguarding lives and livelihoods from the effects of natural disasters.
