The National Disaster Management Agency of The Gambia (NDMA) has received one million euro from the Agence Francaise De Development (AFD) to help victims affected by flooding in the country.
According to NDMA, in 2022 The Gambia confronted a catastrophic flood that severely impacted the lives of over fifty thousand individuals, leaving many families in desperate need of assistance. Recognizing the magnitude of the disaster, the NDMA reached out for support from the French Development Agency (AFD).
The AFD responded affirmatively by allocating One Million Euros to help those adversely affected by the floods in the country, said NDMA Executive Director Sanna Dahaba.
“The financial assistance provided by the AFD is intended not only to aid the recovery of flood victims but also to bolster the institutional capacity of the NDMA,” he said. “This dual focus is essential for ensuring a more effective response to future disasters. To enhance operational readiness, particularly during the rainy season, the NDMA utilized part of the funds to procure crucial equipment, including 125 tablets for data collection and management, 8 motorbikes for rapid mobility, 8 water pumping machines and 5 pickups to strengthen the Agency’s capacity.”
At a handing-over ceremony held at the agency’s head office at the weekend, Mr Dahaba stated that the items would be strategically positioned in the regions to optimize disaster response efforts and facilitate timely assistance to those in need.
“These materials/equipment will significantly enhance our ability to respond promptly and efficiently to future emergencies,” he assured. “The materials will be instrumental as the agency intends to construct 31 flood resistant houses for flood-affected households in 2022 across the country this year.”
He added that the beneficiaries were carefully identified based on clear-cut criteria.
He extends gratitude to the French Development Agency for their generous support and assured that “the vehicles will be utilised effectively” to serve the communities before, during and after emergencies or disasters.
Clemence Cazaux, a representative of AFD, emphasised appropriate utilization of the aid, saying her government is committed to supporting The Gambia on humanitarian challenges as disasters and such like. Muhammed Bah, representative from the Office of the Vice President, registered government’s appreciation for the financial support to The Gambia, saying the aid will be fully utilised to help victims of flooding.
