Seven districts on island are now equipped with recovery equipment to ensure that communities are ready and prepared for disasters following a donation from the Australian Direct Aid Program made available through Dominica Association of Local Community Authorities (DALCA).
The donation, in the tune of $21,833.20, include generators, chain saws, flashlights, disaster tools, among other items were procured through the Enhanced Community Capacity and Preparedness Project Phase Two.
Districts set to benefit include the Western District, Northern District, Southern District, South Eastern District, Eastern District, North Eastern District and the South Western District.
“We are hoping that these tools and equipment can be used to ensure that we are prepared and we are ready to mitigate against any disaster,” Treasurer of (DALCA), Ericson Robinson, said while addressing a handing over ceremony of the equipment at the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) building on Wednesday. “We want to ensure that there are policies that guide the procurement and implementation and maintenance of these items.”
According to him, DALCA has understood the need to partner with the most important organizations in disaster mitigation.
“We have sought to partner with the fire and ambulance department, also we have sought to partner with the disaster office, because we recognize that these departments are vital in ensuring that we as a people are prepared to move our country, particularly to ensure that we are ready to move forward…in the event of any disaster,” he stated.
Meantime, Disaster Coordinator Don Corriette called on persons to manage the equipment properly.
“Accountability is key, preserve and maintain your equipment and ensure that the use of the equipment is for what it is given,” he said. “The equipment is not for situations involving response only; they are articulating proactive strategies to mitigate against what may eventually become a disaster. So if we clear our drains, if we trim our trees and do that proactive action even before the beginning of the hurricane season 2015, if we start to identify hazardous situations in our communities, we can mobilize and start to do some active work.”
He stated further that the village councils should ensure that the community benefits from the use of the equipment.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, Sylvanie Burton called on the councils within the districts to do their utmost best to maintain proper records of the equipment.
“Sometimes equipment is given and we say they pick up feet, they get some feet and they walk and the council can’t identify where they are,” she stated.
Government should check to make sure they are not borrowed stolen or lost. The village council should be held accountable for these equipment. Missing lost or stolen people should be charged and put in jail. The government should check every six month and make sure the merchines are not use to make coals. It is not to be loaned out. We must change the way we do business.
Where will these equipment be stored in cases where the village do not have a council?
In one use these equipment will be stolen or broken.
What can of language is that. Well we have become experts in the use of words. Is that the way a PS is addressing Councillors? Even the Disaster Coordinator talking and this Robinson man? Look foolish talk.