The Gambia has just joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International day for disaster risk reduction

This year’s celebration came shortly after the government of the Gambia has stepped up efforts to this end, with the signing of contracts with four construction companies in the country to improve community conditions so as to reduce risk and mitigate the impact of disasters.

The development of course speaks volumes about the commitment of the dynamic leadership of President Jammeh to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of the Gambian people. The projects, which are still ongoing, if accomplished would no doubt enable people maintain and advance their standards of living without hindrance and above all aid in guaranteeing the sustainability of national development undertakings.

As the world takes stock to contemplate on disaster risk reduction, we hope that such constructive initiatives continue. We also hope that stakeholders would also without delay ensure the implementation of the theme of this year’s IDDRR celebration.

The theme is very fundamental as children and young people are often the hardest hit when disasters strike. They are separated from families and relatives and often forced to live under dehumanising conditions which are unpleasant for adults talk less of children and young people.

It is also befitting to note here that for there to be a successful reduction to risks associated with disasters, there is the need to promote a more people-centered approach in the process, because the principal resources of any community are its inhabitants and local stakeholders, who play an important part in the development processes.

Besides, the people have thorough knowledge of the area and are familiar with the factors that generate risk and limit development. Consequently, they are the best managers to guarantee sustainable development and harmonious coexistence of society and the environment.

Therefore, active involvement of all including children and young people, dedication and teamwork among all stakeholders will without doubt ensure realisation of sustainable local development and disaster risk reduction.

It is certain that disasters, particularly those brought about by nature, are unavoidable. However, this does not mean that humanity cannot do anything about them.

Through activities geared toward disaster risk reduction, the serious catastrophe and impediment to national development that would have otherwise been brought about by disasters can be mitigated.

Stakeholders in disaster risk reduction should therefore commit themselves to adopting sound strategies to that end and ensure their implementation without delay.

With climate change and other human activities that are detrimental to the environment being the most critical contributors to disaster, sensitising people to engage in more environmentally-friendly activities and urging the industrialised nations to drastically reduce green house gas emissions would form a significant component of disaster risk reduction.