NDMA Launches Service Delivery Charter

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on Wednesday, 8th October 2024, launched it service delivery charter at their National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) office in Freetown.
The service charter sets out the services and standards that partners, stakeholders and public should expect from Disaster Management Agency.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Deputy Director of NDMA, John Vandy Rogers, described the launch as one that is very important taking into account where the agency is coming from and where it is heading.
He disclosed that the launching of the Service Charter is done with support from Bournemouth University, adding that the Agency has done several reports in collaboration with the Bournemouth University and some of the reports have been acclaimed across the world.
Noting that the Agency is a young one, Rogers maintained that it continues to make a mark both locally and internationally adding that the document speaks volume of the things to do.
In his statement, the Director General of the NDMA, Rtd. Lieutenant General Brima Sesay said that the Bournemouth University is a strong partner to the Agency.
He stated that the NDMA has intervened and responded to thousands of disaster occurrences across the country.
The Director General noted that with the launch of the Charter, it gives a clear guide as to the responsibility of the agency, and this will clearly show its roles.
“The Charter has been developed after extensive consultation across the directorates of the Agency and with other key ministries, agencies, stakeholders and partners in Sierra Leone. The Charter will promote transparency and accountability,” he said.
He said that in July this year, Mohamed Bah was asked to develop the Charter.
He thanked the University of Bournemouth, especially Professor Lee Miles, for his support towards having this Charter.
He said the Agency has produced a good number of documents and that documents produced are acclaimed worldwide.
He encouraged Professor Lee Miles to continue supporting NDMA while also thanking UNDP for their support in giving the Agency a state-of-the-art facility where this launching is being held.
In his presentation, Professor Lee Miles who is the Professor of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bournemouth University referenced that the World Bank estimated in 2024 that 31% of people in the country have experienced flooding in the past five years.
He said there were regular major incident across Sierra Leone in 2024.
He maintained that the Charter is an innovative one that draws upon and utilises sources to best practice, correction, and research, such as AFRICAB project to enhance communication of the NDMA.
He said the Charter also develops key indicators significant for progress on programs, including identifying disaster.
He said that based on research input from 569 participants, 13 cross cutting issues we’re identified.
He said the Charter is building trust in disaster management in Sierra Leone, demonstrating real partnership, showing the legitimate authority of the Agency and its service, empowering stakeholders, and public.
Launching of the Service Delivery Charter marked a significant step in promoting Disaster Management in Sierra Leone.