NEWMAP, others task stakeholders on disaster management

To reduce the rate of erosion and other environmental disasters in Abia State, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has charged stakeholders to take proactive measures in preventing and managing such incidents in the state.

The Project Coordinator, Izuchukwu Onwughara who gave the charge at a one-day meeting/workshop organised in Umuahia, by the Owerri Operations Office of the organisation explained that NEWMAP has already mapped out erosion vulnerable areas of the state to reduce residents’ vulnerability to such occurrence.

Also speaking, the state Fire Service Comptroller Mr. Victor Gbaruko said his office would soon commence campaigns to sensitize the public on how to prepare for fire disaster and what should be done proactively when they occur. He lamented that the service lacks operational logistics to carry out its statutory functions.

Addressing participants, the Director General, National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Mustapha Maihaja, who was represented by the head, Owerri Operations Office Mr. Evans Ugor said stressed that participants who were drawn from the Red Cross, Road Safety, Civil Defence, Fire Service, State Emergency Medical Service and others, have important role to play in disaster and emergency management.

“Disasters are already before us hence there is the imperativeness for pro-activeness and synergy and finding better ways to manage them”.In his submission, the Medical Director of the State Emergency Medical Service Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwakanma said that the agency is well equipped both in personnel and logistics to attend to health emergencies. He urged residents on the need to make timely contacted with the organization and other institutions for the safety of lives and property of the people.