By Ndey Sowe
The French Development Agency (AFD) has allocated €1 million to The Gambia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to support flood recovery efforts and strengthen disaster response capabilities. The announcement was made during a formal presentation ceremony held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the NDMA headquarters.
The financial assistance aims to aid flood victims and enhance the NDMA’s institutional capacity to respond to future disasters effectively.
Sanna Dahaba, Executive Director of NDMA, outlined how the funds have been strategically used to improve operational readiness, particularly during the rainy season.
“Part of the funds has been utilised to procure essential 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,” Dahaba stated.
He added that these resources will be strategically positioned across regions to optimize disaster response efforts and facilitate timely assistance.
“This material will significantly enhance our ability to respond promptly and efficiently to emergencies,” Dahaba emphasized.
The NDMA also plans to construct 31 flood-resistant houses for households affected by the 2022 floods.
“The beneficiaries were carefully identified based on clear-cut criteria,” Dahaba revealed, highlighting the agency’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions for those most in need.
Dahaba expressed heartfelt gratitude to the French Development Agency for its generous support and assured them of the effective utilization of the resources.
“These vehicles and equipment will be used to serve communities before, during, and after emergencies,” he pledged. He also acknowledged the critical roles played by the Gambia government, particularly the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, in facilitating the grant. Additionally, he commended the Office of the Vice President for its leadership and guidance throughout the process.
