Coast Region allocates 32bn/- for El Nino

COAST REGION: THE government has allocated 32.6bn/- for preparedness against possible impacts of El Nino rains expected in the country, with 17bn/- directed to Rufiji District.

Coast Regional Commissioner, Stanslaus Nyongo told various stakeholders on Monday that the preparations are in accordance to the possible weather-related disasters.

Mr Nyongo said the region was taking precautionary measures because of its geographical location and the possibility of severe impacts from the expected rains.

He said about 75 per cent of Rufiji District was at risk of being affected by the rains, followed by Mkuranga, Bagamoyo and Mafia districts.

“This meeting follows consultations with the technical disaster management committee, which led to this broader meeting bringing together various stakeholders from across the region,” he said.

He said stakeholders included potential victims of the disasters as well as investors operating in the region.

According to Mr Nyongo, stakeholders had demonstrated readiness to support disaster response, with several investors expressing willingness to donate items including tents, drinking water and mattresses upon disasters.

He said the stakeholders had also pledged to continue cooperating with the government in disaster preparedness and response.

Mr Nyongo said his office has already received directives from higher authorities through the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) requiring District Commissioners to continue taking precautionary measures.

He said all District Commissioners have been instructed to identify areas at risk, prepare shelters for potential victims and undertake other measures aimed at strengthening preparedness.

The regional disaster management team, he added, was continuing to organise itself and prioritise areas considered most vulnerable so they could be reached quickly in the event of disasters.

Mr Nyongo said cooperation among government authorities, investors and communities would remain important in ensuring that necessary resources and emergency arrangements were available.

He said the preparedness measures were intended to minimise the potential impact of the rains on communities and ensure timely assistance to people who might be affected.