By Staff Reporter Fatou Barry, Banjul

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) having recognized the importance of the newly established Network of Disaster Management Journalists (NDMJ), has tasked the body with sensitizing the public on disaster preventing, mitigation and management in the Gambia.

Speaking at the opening of the lunching ceremony, Her Excellency the Vice President, Dr. Aja Isatou Njie Saidy said this will go a long way in helping to reducing disaster which children and families are involve. She further addressed the journalists to be sensitized the public on how to prevent Natural disaster.

She also added that the organization should take advantage of the website to make communication and information easier amongst them and that in their request for equipments, the Government would do their best to help to provide equipments to make their work easier because Government is part and parcel of the initiative.

Karabulie Conteh the President of the Network said the network mainly comprises of representatives from media houses, primarily changed with the task of sensitizing the public on disaster or emergency situations. The establishment of NDMA media unit is off course premised on the National policy on disaster management, and the 2009 disaster needs assessment report.

 Adding that in cognition of the problems associate with disasters and other emergency situations as and when they strike, and the need for concerted efforts to prevent, prepare, manage and find solution, to such problems, the NDMJ shall explore synergies in collaboration with NDMA and other relevant stakeholders both within and without the country, in the quest to help protect the welfare of Gambians, and the socio economic and infrastructural developments in the country,  through media sensitization campaigns and  other ventures deemed necessary.

 The cheapest and perhaps one most effective method in disaster reduction, preparedness and management is the timely dissemination of relevant information to the affected population and more importantly the vulnerable in society.