Disaster Management National Platform Neglected …Under The Watch Of VP Juldeh Jalloh As Chairman
By Aruna Momoh Kargbo
It has been revealed that the highest decision-making body which is responsible for disaster management in the country, the National Platform as established by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has not been functional.
This was captured by the recently published Performance Audit report by Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) on disaster risk reduction activities by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
The report maintained that since the establishment of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in 2020, the National Platform has not been functional.
“During interviews with the Director General of the NDMA, it was explained that the platform has not functioned since the establishment of the Agency in 2020,” the audit stated.
That letters dated 13th July, 2023, and 14th March, 2024, addressed to the Secretary to the Vice President, outlining the policy document, summaries for coordinating the national platform were submitted for audit inspection but that there was no evidence to prove that the national platform meeting was held.
The report noted that a review of the platform’s composition, disclosed that Permanent Secretaries from various MDAs were included instead of professional heads who possess the technical expertise necessary for providing and making informed and effective decisions.
That Section 9(1) of the NDMA Act of 2020 states “Subject to this Act, the National Platform shall have control and supervision of the Agency, including overseeing the sound and proper financial management of the Agency providing policy guidance and advice as will ensure the efficient implementation of the functions of the Agency to enhance the overall performance of the Agency”.
The report also stated that the audit team requested minutes of meetings and membership composition from senior management which were not provided.
In his response, the Director of Communications of NDMA Mohamed L. Bah acknowledged that indeed meetings have not been held by the National Platform since its formation but it is not the fault of the Agency.
He added that it is due to the composition of the Platform which is very large in number and getting members onboard is difficult.
The Auditor recommended that the Director General of NDMA should continue to make frantic effort by communicating with Vice President as the Chairman of the platform to call for meetings.
“The Director General should prioritise a comprehensive review of the composition of the national platform. This review should aim to optimise the platform’s effectiveness by considering the inclusion of diverse perspectives and expertise relevant to disaster risk reduction and management,” the Auditor recommended.
