Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-03-01 07:35:40
The recent increase in fire disasters in Liberia has raised concerns among members of the House of Representatives, prompting them to summon the heads of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDA) to appear before full Plenary. This decision was made in response to a request from District #4 Representative, Michael Thomas, who recently experienced the tragic loss of five members of a family in a fire disaster.
In his communication to the House, Atty. Thomas, the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, referenced the functions of the NDA as outlined in the Act that created the institution. He highlighted the Agency’s responsibility to implement the National Disaster Management Action Plan for disaster preparedness, national environmental policy, food security, nutrition strategy, health policy, and other relevant policies adopted by the Government of Liberia. Atty. Thomas expressed concerns about the Agency’s effectiveness in responding to crises and providing support to victims in accordance with its mandate.
Rep. Thomas drew attention to a series of disasters across Liberia, particularly in Monrovia, including fire disasters, water/flood disasters, and excessive windstorms that have caused significant damage to properties and claimed the lives of peaceful citizens. He emphasized the need for the NDA to demonstrate accountability and transparency in fulfilling its responsibilities, particularly in supporting disaster victims and addressing operational challenges that may have hindered its effectiveness over the years.
In his plea to Plenary, Atty. Thomas requested the presence of the Executive Director and senior management team of the NDA to explain why the Agency has not effectively carried out its mandate and to outline a clear strategy for implementation moving forward. Plenary agreed to invite the Disaster management team to provide justification for their actions and address concerns raised by Rep. Thomas and other members of the House.
The decision to summon the heads of the NDA reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in the face of increasing disaster incidents. By holding the Agency accountable for its actions and demanding transparency in its operations, the House of Representatives is taking steps to improve disaster management efforts and better protect the lives and properties of the people of Liberia.
Overall, the House’s decision to cite the NDA demonstrates their dedication to addressing the challenges posed by recent fire disasters and other crisis situations, and their commitment to holding accountable those responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Liberian people. It is a crucial step towards improving disaster response and management practices in the country, and ensuring that the NDA fulfills its mandate effectively and efficiently in the future.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
