MINISTER for Inter Government Relations Job Pomat has welcomed the K7 million allocated for disaster in the supplementary budget.
Mr Pomat said in a statement that the Government’s commitment to disaster management was a quantum leap forward in the wake of unpredictable natural and man-made disasters.
The minister said disasters had no boundaries regardless of how people define their strategies and abilities to cope.
“It is, therefore, our business as a responsible Government to provide contingency plans and effective measures in protecting the lives of the citizens,” he said.
“The poor management of chemical and toxic substances and the experiences from tsunamis, landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions, draughts and rising sea levels were worrying signs occurring, especially when we are sitting in the Pacific ring of fire.”
Mr Pomat was adamant that efforts in networking and capacity building should be consolidated and communities empowered to understand the different types of disasters.
He challenged the National Disaster Centre to ensure that all provinces must incorporate provincial disaster management plans into their development strategies.
At the same time technical expertise, proper monitoring facilities and integrated awareness programmes must become a collective initiative of all stakeholders in supporting the Government’s efforts.