‘Disaster Management Plan’ to be tabled in Cabinet soon

The international consultancy firm (Aurecon) contracted to formulate the country’s National Disaster Management plan, has finished its work, and its final draft is expected to be discussed by cabinet soon, The New Times has learnt. Aurecon presented its first “inception report” to stakeholders mid October before its consultants embarked on work on the final draft. hey presented their final draft of the contingency plan last week after their final country tour. The Disaster Management Unit operates under the Rwanda National Police. “We had a workshop last week and it was presented to focal points, stakeholders, and as you know, this plan must first be adopted by cabinet – it is something that is urgent and should be done soon,” said. Police Spokesperson, Supt. Eric Kayiranga. He noted that the final draft, “touches on the working framework and mapping of disasters that are regular in the country” and sets the necessary requirements to address disasters. While recently appearing before Senate to explain government’s strategy on disaster preparedness, the Minister of Internal Security, Musa Fazil Harerimana, said that his office will need Rfw2.9bn to purchase equipment necessary to predict and manage disasters in the country. Aurecon first sent consultants to disaster prone regions countrywide in mid-September, in what was then referred to as a risk evaluation assessment trip. In October, they announced that the Rift Valley and volcanic regions in the country were a natural phenomenon that increases the vulnerability of people, the environment and critical facilities. UNDP sunk in $ 60,000 (approx. Rwf 34 million) into the project and a UN disaster management specialist has been monitoring Aurecon’s work. Ends