The head of the Gambia’s disaster management agency has hailed the recent launch in The Gambia of the US$1.5M project by the Qatar Charity(QC) as a historic milestone.
The initiative, dubbed Empowerment and Economic Development Project to Support Gambia 2025, is a comprehensive year-long initiative that seeks to uplift disaster-affected and vulnerable communities through enhanced access to basic services and durable job opportunities.
Speaking at the project’s launch ceremony in Banjul, the Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency(NDMA), Mr. Sanna Dahaba,said:”The launch of this significant initiative not only marks a historic milestone but also reaffirms and strengthens the already cordial relationship between the Qatar Charity Organization and the Government of The Gambia, particularly with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).”
The NDMA boss acknowledged the long-standing fruitful partnership between the Qatar Charity Organization and the NDMA, describing it as a cornerstone in the humanitarian assistance domain for several years. The partnership, he went on, is dedicated to providing much-needed support to populations adversely affected by disasters.
“This collaborative effort highlights a shared commitment to alleviating suffering and enhancing resilience among vulnerable communities,” he explained.
Mr. Dahaba revealed that the Qatar Charity consistently reaches out to the NDMA annually with essential food and non-food items to lessen the impact of disasters on households across The Gambia.
“These efforts are vital as they not only provide immediate relief but also reinforce the belief that collaboration is essential, especially when the government alone cannot comprehensively address these challenges,” he added.
To Mr. Dahaba, the resource challenges of many institutions in The Gambia reinforces the necessity for constructive partnerships and “a holistic approach to effectively meet institutional goals”.
He pointed out that the geography of The Gambia renders the country prone to extreme weather events and human-induced disasters.
“Given that The Gambia is located in sub-Saharan Africa, it is increasingly susceptible to both climate-related events and human-induced disasters,” he stated. “This reality compels us to continue forging strong partnerships and working collaboratively to bolster the resilience of our communities.
“Together, we can create sustainable solutions that empower households and equip them to face future adversities with strength and confidence.”
The NDMA boss expressed the firm belief that “the arrival of this vital support will empower our most vulnerable communities and households, enhancing their resilience.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Qatar Charity Organization and all our partners for their steadfast collaboration and invaluable partnership in this endeavour,” he stated.
“Additionally, I express my sincere appreciation to the Office of the Vice President for their unwavering leadership, support and guidance throughout this process,” acknowledged Mr. Dahaba.
