Under the coordination of the National Disaster Management Committee, in collaboration with the Gambia Fire and Ambulance Services, the Gambia Red Cross Society, KMC Disaster Municipal Committee and other partners on Saturday, August 25th, 2007, converged at Ebo Town to provide initial relief services to flood victims caused by recent heavy downpour.

The event was preceded by donation of relief items, by the National Disaster Management Committee, through the support of the United Nation Development Programme, UNICEF and Concern Universal, at a ceremony held at Serrekunda Fire Service Station. The items were presented on behalf of Dr Aja Isatou Njie Saidy, Vice President and Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs who is also the Chairperson of the National Disaster Management Committee, by Mrs. Fatou Jasseh-Kuyateh, Permanent Secretary Office of the Vice-President.

At the ceremony, the UNDP donated 12 water tanks with a capacity of 2000 litres, salvage materials and 20, 00 Dalasi fuel to a total contribution of D200,000.00.

Concern Universal donated 29 shovels, 29 spades, 20 pick axes, 30 pairs of Rain Boots, four wheel Barrows, 10 hand gloves and 5 water tanks with a capacity of 1000 litres each.

UNICEF also donated 8 water tanks with a capacity of 2000 litres.

Soon after the presentation, the relief team departed for Ebo Town to help evacuate stagnant water which sealed streets and many compounds in the affected areas, making them inaccessible to users.

The items were presented on behalf of the Vice- President, who is also the Chairperson of the National Disaster Management Committee, by Mrs. Fatou Jasseh-Kuyateh- Permanent Secretary Office of the Vice- President.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Jarsey-Kuyateh said, the National Disaster Committee, under the Chair of Vice President Njie-Saidy, recalled the meeting convened with donors and other partners in her office on Thursday 23th August 2007, to abreast them of the situation of disaster management in the country, and in particular, the numerous incidents that occurred in the country as a result of rains in the month of August 2007 and its impact on structures and some settlements in the country.

Mrs Jarsey Kuyateh paid tribute to the UN agencies led by UNDP in The Gambia for responding swiftly to what she called, a humanitarian cause. She highlighted the need to strengthen proper coordination of response activities, through the National Disaster Management Committee, regional and Municipal Disaster Committees. “In this way, all assistance can be properly monitored and accounted for in the best interest of beneficiaries and it will also enhance accountability and transparency in the relief efforts,” she said. She then thanked the UNDP and other UN agencies in the country for the response.

Essa Khan, National Coordinator, Disaster Management Project, said the event manifests the importance of coordination and commitment, in particular, political commitment in this endeavour. He said disaster is a complex phenomenon, the extent of which humankind does not understand.

Mr. Khan then commended the UNDP for their resolve and commitment to disaster issues which are further manifested in the collaboration with The Gambia government to enhance the effectiveness of disaster management committees in all the regions across the country. He also linked disaster management to poverty alleviation and the attainment of the MDGs. He said the event was meant to help the affected communities to have access to potable drinking water, and help evacuate stagnant water by digging water ways which will further prevent water stagnation in the area as a temporary measure.

Honourable Haddy Nyang-Jagne, National Assembly member for Jeshwang thanked President Jammeh for empowering Gambians enough to speak out when they have problems for they are confident that he will; come to their aid. She thanked Vice-President Njie Saidy, DOSH, Service Chiefs and all donor agencies for coming to their aid and also appealed for a sustainable solution to the problems like a proper drainage system.

Angella Colley, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture also showed her affection to the victims for she is a native of New Jeshwang ward.

Momodou B Sarr, Executive Director of the National Environment Agency, also stressed on the problems in Ebo Town.

Alieu Momar Njie, Ag Mayor KMC, pledged his Council’s commitment to helping the people in the municipality. “It is believed that good sanitation can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of cholera and other disease associated with poor sanitation. Sanitation, according to health officials, is part of development and should be given huge priority,” he said.

Almamy Camara, a representative of the UNDP, expressed UNDP’s sympathy with the flood victims and hoped that UNDP’s contribution will help in complementing the efforts of government in trying to bring normalcy in the lives of the victims.

Ebrima Sonko, Emergency Coordinator, Concern Universal described the gesture as noble.

Present at the grounds were, Honourable Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, Speaker of the National Assembly, Bennedict Jammeh, Inspector General of Police, Roger Bakurin, Chief Fire Officer,

Famara Jammeh, Police Adviser, Modou Gaye, DIG, representatives of Unicef, the Department of State for Health, Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, senior government and security officials, parliamentarians for Serrekunda West, Central and Bakau, Councillors, KMC Disaster Committee, Vice President Supreme Islamic Council, APRC Stalwart, Red Cross volunteers, National Guards Police and the General Public and well-wishers.