It is institutionalised to enhance national ownership and sustainability. It kicked of with the development of a comprehensive National Disaster Management Policy – a four year multi-dimensional strategy and legal framework entitled The Gambia National Disaster Management Bill approved by Cabinet. The Bill was unanimously enacted by the National Assembly in October, 2008 – formally establishing The National Disaster Prevention and Management Governing Council and Agency. The framework calls for effective leadership and adequate resources to prevent and respond to disasters in a well coordinated manner.

The idea envisages a quick response mechanism to phenomenal disasters that destroy lives and properties at an unimaginable magnitude – impeding government policies to develop the social sectors and to ensure achievements of the vision 2020 objectives are sustained.

President Jammeh applauded the Vice President Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy and her office for the way the committee managed previous disasters. He extended similar regards to the various agencies of the United Nations for participating effectively in relief operations. Going by the history of frequency of disasters in the country, President Jammeh suggested cases be properly investigated before victims are provided assistance as it can be used as lucrative business by some. In the same vein a designated emergency respond service unit should be set-up to mitigate impact on disaster victims. But the President is of the view that most disasters are avoidable if the public is properly sensitized.

Disaster management according to President Jammeh is not restricted to providing relief services only – experts, he said should be trained on counseling the traumatized to come to terms with their losses. He also advised that the council sought expertise from better established outfits around the world in setting up a central management body.

Speaking earlier, the Vice President Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy felicitated partners and individuals who have contributed in cushioning the effect of disasters on victims and to Professor Jammeh for coming up with the vision.

Chinwe Dike the UNDP Resident Representative said the inauguration of the National Disaster Prevention and Management Governing Council indicates government's commitment to protect, manage and mitigate disasters when they occur.

Fatou Jasseh-Kuyateh Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Vice President in chairing the programme gave a historical account of disaster management in the country. Cases in point were the severe floods in 1999 and 2003 in the Upper River Region and other parts of the country affecting 13.1 percent of the overall population. Other cases stretched from the Serrekundanding accident, the Serrekunda market fire disaster and the Ebo Town floods of 2007.