The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Francis Kai-Kai has presented computer equipment to the Disaster Management Department, courtesy of the ECOWAS Commission. The gesture is to support government’s efforts in the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction, capacity building and institutional strengthening in Sierra Leone.
Among the equipment were 8 desktop computers, UPS devices, printers, 2 projectors and a heavy duty photocopying machine, geared to further enhance the operational capacity of the national disaster management’s data collection and overall emergency operations of the Disaster Agency. According the head of the ECOWAS national office, Mamie-Miatta Johnny, the items came as a result of an EU grant to support African Regional Economic Communities strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction of their respective member states.
She underscored that the delivery of the computer equipment was part of the ECOWAS Member States-ACP-EU program, “Building Disaster Resilience to Natural Hazards in Sub-Saharan African Regions and Communities Program”, and were delegated to the ECOWAS national office for onward transmission to the Disaster Management Department.
Presenting the equipment, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Francis Kai-Kai said the equipment were a necessary boost for institutional strengthening and capacity, while expressing gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission for the support. He noted that the commission has always been a strong pillar for its member states, especially during the COVID-19 response in Sierra Leone.
The minister cautioned the Disaster Management Department to utilise the equipment for the intended purpose. Receiving the items, Rtd. Lieutenant-General Brima Sesay thanked the ECOWAS Commission through the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development for the donation, noting that the equipment would enhance the work of the department in ensuring the effective operational capacity of national disaster management in the country.
By Mohamed J. Bah