Tana River County in partnership with the International Committee for the Development of People (CISP) and other partners has launched a County Disaster Risk Management Policy (DRM) to mitigate against adverse effects of disasters in the area.
The policy outlines funding mechanisms for various interventions for reducing disaster risks at a tune of Sh11.4 billion spread across the five years.
According to Governor Dhadho Godhana, the insufficient funding for disaster risk management has affected economic growth in the county and negated the gains achieved.
“During disasters, we spend more than Sh20 million in trying to cushion our people from the adverse effects of the disaster, as well as fix some essential services,” Gov Godhana said.
The unplanned diversion of planned resources, he says, forces the administration to postpone a lot of development plans.
Godhana noted that during the floods of 2018, infrastructure worth more than Sh2 billion was lost and has never been regained.
“More than 12,000 households had to be fed, more than 64,000 displaced, 9,000 acres of crops were destroyed, 49 schools were submerged and our level of malnutrition shot from 12 per cent to 21 per cent,” he said.
Godhana notes that efforts for rehabilitation and reconstruction have been a nightmare due to the high cost that the county administration cannot manage on its own.
He applauded the policy that brought together partners including the National Government, The European Union, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), World Food Program (WFP), Kenya Red Cross, and German Agro Action among others in helping to fund various sectors affected by calamities.
The County Administration shall allocate Sh3.6 billion from its budget towards achieving the plan.
“We are optimistic that with all these partners, we are going to realize our gains if we pull together successfully to make a great Tana,” he said.
Tana River County is synonymous with disasters from drought, floods, and resource-based conflicts.
By Sadik Hassan
