K-P govt, IRC unite for disaster preparedness
The Relief, Rehabilitation, and Settlement Department (RRSD) of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has entered into a partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to bolster disaster management and amplify emergency response efforts. This collaborative endeavor, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), underscores the commitment of both parties to effectively address the challenges posed by disasters and conflicts.
The MoU, signed by Abdul Basit, Secretary of Relief, and Shabnam Baloch, Country Director of IRC, signifies a step towards enhanced collaboration between RRSD and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in various stages of disaster management.
The partnership encompasses a spectrum of initiatives, including rapid response strategies, proactive measures, capacity-building projects, and the strengthening of disaster preparedness programs. The success of this cooperative alliance hinges on the availability of essential resources, which will facilitate joint endeavors in a harmonious manner. Throughout their collaboration, RRSD and IRC maintain their distinct missions and responsibilities, ensuring the preservation of their individual objectives.
Abdul Basit, Secretary of Relief, lauded this development, emphasizing the potential of harnessing available resources to identify shared areas of interest. By doing so, RRSD and IRC are primed to extend targeted program interventions to communities grappling with the aftermath of disasters or conflicts. Basit strongly underscores the importance of nurturing local capacities in disaster preparedness and response, recognizing the significance of efficient mechanisms to streamline humanitarian efforts and prevent redundancy during emergencies. He extended gratitude to IRC for its steadfast support, acknowledging the value of collaborative endeavors in achieving these goals.
This partnership represents a significant stride in enhancing disaster management capabilities and establishing resilient emergency response mechanisms within K-P. The collaboration between RRSD and IRC, characterized by synergy, aims to capitalize on their unique expertise to uplift communities affected by disasters or conflicts. Importantly, while working towards shared objectives, both entities remain dedicated to upholding their distinct missions and responsibilities. This commitment ensures a seamless integration of efforts as they strive towards their humanitarian goals.
Simultaneously, the provincial Cabinet has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and reducing risks in K-P. The Relief, Rehabilitation & Settlement Department’s proposal has received approval during the 8th meeting of the Caretaker Provincial Cabinet, presided over by the Caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In this meeting, several strategic decisions were made to fortify the province’s disaster management strategies.
One pivotal decision involves according the Secretary of Relief, Rehabilitation & Settlement Department a permanent membership in the PDWP forum.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2023.