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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 16:11:10
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The National Disaster Management Agency, through the Regional Disaster Management Office in the Upper River Region has reacted to comments made by Hon. Sidia Jatta, the National Assembly Member for Wuli West constituency on the initiative done by the agency to help disaster victims in his constituency.
Hon. Jatta, who was speaking at a press conference last Thursday, said that despite the numerous disasters in his constituency, "nothing has been done by the agency to support the victims."
Below is the full text of the reaction of the Regional Disaster Management Office, Upper River Region, signed by Mawdo Amadou Jallow, the Regional Disaster Management Coordinator:
"The Regional Disaster Management Office and committee Upper River Region have learned that the Hon. Member for Wuli West Sidia Jatta has plans to launch a disaster fund. This statement was contained in an article carried by The Point and Foroyaa News papers in their Friday 27th August 2010 edition. However, in the view of the Regional Disaster Management Committee (RDMC) and office it is a welcome development, but it must be done within the context of the law governing resource mobilisation for disaster victims as per broad terms of the National Disaster Management Act 2008. However, the RDMC do not share any of the facts advanced by Hon. Jatta, as to the reasons prompting him to launch an appeal.
Let me set the records straight
Firstly, the RDMC conducted a detail assessment not only in Sutukonding but the whole of the region, including Madinna Koto, Sutukoba, Birifu Foday Kunda, Kaba Kama, Bassending Dampha Kunda, Tambasansang, Basse, Koba Kunda layout, Samba Tacko, and Sabu Sireh
Please allow us to add your understanding that not only did we carry out a detailed assessment, but also held a major distribution exercise in Basse, Sutukoba and Foday Kunda. In the recent distribution held in Basse on 16th August 2010, the three most severely affected families from Sutukonding received support. Therefore, it is misleading to say there was no assessment and support.
Regarding Sutukoba, this office not only have it carried out an assessment of the damage, but distributed food items to the victims in Sutukoba and Foday Kunda in fact through an NGO partner WASDA.
In addition, these offices have never received any report on fires in Barrow Kunda, but in Sutukonding where only one family was involved in a number of times. In fact, the findings reveal that it was a shop belonging to one Yankuba Kijera. Disaster does not mean the disruption of the functioning of a family, but society or community causing widespread damage with that community not having the capacity to coop requiring outside support.
The result of the detail assessment indicated that there were only three families that lost their large ruminants in Sutukoba, and they were 5 and NOT 6 to 8 as pointed out by Hon. Jatta.
Only 12 families were affected in both Sutukonding and Madinakoto and only 9 houses were partially damage and 6 completely damaged. Clearly, no 27 compounds were totally destroyed, as reported by Mr. Jatta. Besides, our findings also revealed that lots of complaints received in Sutukonding were not disaster cases, but old unsolved issues.
Furthermore, for the purpose of clarity, the NDMA and partners had provided relief to 61 families so far while, the Red Cross has issued to 28 families. Yes, there are 67 more families that still do not receive support, but do not constitute that "nothing has been done." That would be a very unfair statement.
The detail assessment conducted by the RDMC from 4th-5th August 2010 revealed that 128 families were affected representing 1191 people. Of this figure, the RDMC which is an NDMA structure has so far reached out to 61 families that are most vulnerable. Moreover, the Agency#146;s Director and the RDMC members were in Samba Tacko to issue support to the family that lost its child in the disaster as well as went round the community of Kaba Kama which was more seriously affected than Sutukoba and Sutukonding combined.
"I am yet to hear what the national initiative has done to help those who have been affected by that terrible damage, in either damage, in either Sutukoba or in Sutukonding" This statement explains that Hon. Jatta does not listen to or watch the GRTS radio and TV.
Clearly, all this explains that Hon. Jatta is not in touch with the reality on the ground. For this reason, the Regional Disaster Management Office invites Hon. Jatta to visit the victims and find out for himself rather than relying on hearsay. Nothing stops Mr. Jatta from asking the Agency, the Disaster Governing Council or the Regional Governor as to what is happening, has happened or about to happen .
My office together with the NDMA and partners are pursuing vigorously to gather support for the actual disaster victims that are not yet provided for.
This office wants to reiterate that it has no problem with anyone wanting to help, but must do so within the limits of the law. Hon Jatta as one of the most experienced personalities in the Assembly I am sure will have no problem with that, especially as he was part of the process.#148;
Source: The point
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/nmda-reacts-to-sidia-jatta
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 16:22:15
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''However, in the view of the Regional Disaster Management Committee (RDMC) and office it is a welcome development, but it must be done within the context of the law governing resource mobilisation for disaster victims as per broad terms of the National Disaster Management Act 2008. However, the RDMC do not share any of the facts advanced by Hon. Jatta, as to the reasons prompting him to launch an appeal.''
So does this mean no private individual can mobilise and distribute resources to disaster victims as he/she deems fit? I might be wrong but that's how it sounds like. God knows where we are heading to now as a nation.
''For The Gambia our homeland; we strive and work and pray that all may live in unity, freedom and peace each day.''
Regards |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 30 Aug 2010 16:24:01 |
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toubab1020
12309 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 17:45:16
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"God knows where we are heading to now as a nation."
It looks to me as though there is so much infighting between authorities ,those in power at the administration and those who PERHAPS want power, that any questions that can be put to stir up friction is taking place,as usual figures that are put forward are open to interpretation in different ways FACTS are hard to come by,I also suspect that published articles of any problems within those agencies that are tasked with a job and fail to carry out those functions to the satisfaction of the "boss" are likely to be replaced so everything must "appear" perfect |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Momodou
Denmark
11713 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 18:07:45
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President Jammeh is on record for saying during his recent tour to provinces that there will be no development for the people of Wulli and Kiang unless and until they vote for him. Who knows if the assisted families are not the ones loyal to APRC?
Sidia is doing what he should do as the representative of his constituency that is to mobilize resources and assistance even if it is only one affected family.
Let’s hope that the National Disaster Management Committee is neutral when it comes to politics.
I think it is very urgent that the Fire Service establish at least one Fire Station in the North Bank of URR and also CRR since there are no Fire services in these areas. Prevention is better than cure! |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12309 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 18:17:12
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"Let’s hope that the National Disaster Management Committee is neutral when it comes to politics."
Kay,Momodou, you can hope,we can all live in hope,gives us a goal in life.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 30 Aug 2010 21:24:37 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11713 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 18:27:30
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quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Kay, you can hope,we can all live in hope,gives us a goal in life.
Toubab, why are you now calling me Kay?  |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 19:18:09
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I know they are capable of doing many things but this one is breathe-taking. If a private citizen wants to mobilise resources to help victims of a disaster, surely that is his/her prerogative and must be allowed to do so under his/her own terms.
OK, they say Sedia misrepresented the facts, a typical PDOIS trait, but does that mean he should not be able to represent his people in a manner he deems fit as a member of parliament? I don't get it. I think this is blatant bullying.
Regards
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 30 Aug 2010 20:16:44 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11713 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 21:01:58
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MAUDO AMADOU JALLOW REACTS TO SIDIA’S PRESS CONFERENCE
By Publisher
30-08-10
Foroyaa received a letter from Maudo Amadou Jallow, the Regional Disaster Management Coordinator for the Upper River Region which aimed to react to our publication of a Press Conference convened by the Member of the National Assembly for Wuli West. The letter started as follows:
“Please allow me space to react to an article published on the Monday edition of your news paper captioned “Sedia Jatta to lunch Disaster relief Fund, calls for national and international support”
This created some confusion at the level of the Foroyaa Editors. First and Foremost, Foroyaa published Sidia’s Press Release on Friday and not on Monday. Secondly, our caption was not as stated by Maudo Amadou Jallow.
Hence we had to give Maudo a call to indicate that we could not publish his letter because it dealt with issues which were not covered by Foroyaa but offered him an interview to clarify any contentions he had regarding the Foroyaa report.
He raised only two contentions. First and foremost, he said that Sidia claims that 27 houses were washed away whereas only six houses were destroyed and 15 compounds affected.
Secondly, he said that Sidia said that 8 horses were washed away by the flood in SutuKoba whereas only 5 horses were washed away. Foroyaa has raised his concerns with Sidia Jatta, Member for Wuli West. He indicated that as Member of the National Assembly for Wuli West he has gone to find out what happened in his constituency. He said the members of the Regional Disaster Management Committee should commend him for complementing their initiatives instead of raising contentions. He explained that he knows the Act which calls for the establishment of Village Disaster Relief Committees. He argued that what was written is that seeds were washed away but that 27 Compounds were affected. He calls on Maudo to do further investigation.
He added that as far as Sutukoba is concerned he said that 6 to 8 horses were washed away. He stated six because he had first hand information that Siraba Khan, Suntu Fatty and Alhaji Suwareh Jatta, each lost one horse while Numo Touray lost three horses, adding up to six. He said other losses were mentioned of a donkey and other horses but he was waiting for confirmation by the time he held the Press Conference. This is why he mentioned 6 to 8 horses so that he would be between the bounds of truth.
He said he has intention to get the authorities to establish the District and village disaster relief Committees so that he could work with them to give the support required to those affected by the disaster.
Source: Foroyaa Online |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12309 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2010 : 21:21:42
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Momodou, I apologise, I am very sorry,my mistake,what can I say, bad night, headache, tired, NO complete lack of concentration,all this political stuff has caused me to have an overloaded brain, after all I am a toubab and unlike the Gambian political system not perfect, sorry
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Kay, you can hope,we can all live in hope,gives us a goal in life.
Toubab, why are you now calling me Kay?
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2010 : 08:55:03
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"The detail assessment conducted by the RDMC from 4th-5th August 2010 revealed that 128 families were affected representing 1191 people. Of this figure, the RDMC which is an NDMA structure has so far reached out to 61 families that are most vulnerable. Moreover, the Agency#146;s Director and the RDMC members were in Samba Tacko to issue support to the family that lost its child in the disaster as well as went round the community of Kaba Kama which was more seriously affected than Sutukoba and Sutukonding combined"
This statement above is essentially what the National Disaster Management Agency had to say in what is refered to as "Hon. Sidia Jatta Rebuked" by none other than UDP/UK's Sec. Gen. Nyarikangbanna.
Now figures and interpretations may differ slightly, but out of 128 families (1,191 people), only 61 families have received help. That is less than half of those affected, and its not even clear how many members of those 61 families have actually been helped.
So essentially the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA)has confirmed Hon. Sidia Jatta's claims. NDMA's response is too little, too late!. Gambian's are under no illusions that the govt and its agencies are unwilling to assist communities that traditional vote for the opposition, particularly Kiang, Jarra, and Wuli.Hon. Jatta (no relation to Kayjatta) has reinterated earlier that his efforts, as the National Assembly member in the region, were to complement govt's effort in helping affected families and individuals. Mr. Jallow of the NDMA should just appropriately welcome Hon. Jatta's initiative and promise more assistance rather than engage in a self-defensive tirade that bears no substance and purpose... |
Edited by - kayjatta on 31 Aug 2010 09:02:15 |
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terangba
Egypt
225 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2010 : 16:16:33
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| I see this is a clear strategy to get rid of Sidia in the next election. If the government drags its feet and can show that Sidia cannot help his constituents; it is likely that he will lose votes as a result. Instead of helping, the Diaspora will once again debate nonsensical issues instead of setting up a fund to counter the no development/no help policy of APRC. |
God gave men dominion over the beasts and not over his fellow men unless they submit of their own free will. - Napoleon |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2010 : 16:50:40
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Hon. Sidia Jatta is a well mannered politician, if not the best, certainly to be counted among the best not only in the Gambia, but globally. He is very natural and principled, loaded with national interest to the brim of his head. The howls from the likes of Maudo Jallow is just like the barking of the little howl puppies begging for crumbs from the master sitting on the plate of meat.It wins the master's heart to throw bone crumbs. If you chastise an opposition figure like Sidia, that makes Jammeh very happy, and as a result you might be rewarded handsomely.
yj |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2010 : 19:11:04
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quote:
Originally posted by terangba
I see this is a clear strategy to get rid of Sidia in the next election. If the government drags its feet and can show that Sidia cannot help his constituents; it is likely that he will lose votes as a result. Instead of helping, the Diaspora will once again debate nonsensical issues instead of setting up a fund to counter the no development/no help policy of APRC.
You have got all wrong Terangba! The only loser in this is the govt., not Sidia. Sidia is smart fellow, he has put the govt in a box here. That is why they are scrambling for a counter attack.
I will share with you what they did to a UDP MP earlier and his retarded response... |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2010 : 21:27:45
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| What has UDP got to do with this? I think you are the retard here. That is why you couldn't appreciate the fact that there is no UDP dimension in this story. |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2010 : 23:56:57
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I think UDP would have great respect for Sidia as an opposition to Jammeh which they UDP/UK shared with him. Therefore for my brother kayjatta to associate mr nyari's piece with that of the UDP/ is in my belief not only totally unfounded but a smere campaign to make it look like the UDP/UK actually wrote that piece against Hon. Jatta who is doing a lot for his people.
I have read nyi's piece and have not seen anything to suggest that he was infact challenging sedia's efforst for his constituency rather, he was trying to expose the Jammeh regime's tactics to divide Gambians against each other whi he has even succeeded even at Bantaba. |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 01 Sep 2010 : 08:07:48
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Guys do not get me wrong, okay. I am in no argumentative mood these days... Amadou Samba is trying to shut down my favorite newspaper. And I dread the fact that I might have to switch to Gainako .
The article from the POINT newspaper that Nyarikangbanna referenced is titled "NDMA Reacts to Sidia Jatta". However, Nyari prefers to announce that "Hon. Sidia Jatta Rebuked", and even further endosed the idea that "Hon. Jatta misrepresented the facts, a typical PDOIS trait"...
But my point actually is that the APRC government is determined to cut off opposition strongholds, particularly Kiang, Jarra, and Wuli, from benefitting from the government. During the recent "Dialogue with the people" tour by the President, a UDP National Assembly Member was "rebuked"(please allow me to use Nyari's prefered word) for lack of means to develop his constituency, Kiang West (I was going to bring this story up from the archives to show that there is a deliberate attempt to to use development funds to alienate opposition MPs, including UDP from their constituencies). The UDP Member's response was, however, less than desirable and very uninformed. Apparently this guy didn't know that other than being an advocate for his constituency, he could also help develop his constituency( complement govt effort, I guess that is how it is said in the Gambia...) with private money... |
Edited by - kayjatta on 01 Sep 2010 10:13:38 |
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