The below article was was printed in the Nation Newspaper of Monday 21st of February. It can also be read with photo at the following site: http://www.nation.sc
Three first responders during an emergency received disaster response equipment recently from the Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM).
The Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Seychelles Police and Coast Guard got their equipment during a ceremony at the Department of Environment’s headquarters in the National Botanical Gardens.
The Education Department also received equipment to help it better carry out its emergency response protocols.
Present were the environment principal secretary Didier Dogley and Alain Decomarmond, Director General of Policy, Planning and Risk Management. Paul Labaleine, Director General of Operations, Education and Communication for the DRDM, was also there.
The Fire and Rescue Services Agency received a wide range of equipment including: two portable generators and cables, two water pumps and a chemical protective suit. The agency also received a chainsaw for cutting steel and concrete, loudspeakers and various lighting sets, including spotlights, so work at emergency sites can continue at night.
The police received protective equipment including chemical splash goggles, gas masks and 100 sets of disposable protective clothing. They also got megaphones, spotlights, torches and two sets of night vision goggles.
The coast guard received six iridium satellite phones and four CAPSAT messengers with recharging solar arrays.
The Department of Education received 36 hand-operated sirens and 36 megaphones.
The equipment was all set out for guests to view and inspect, and they could ask questions about its various applications.
Key first responders also got the chance to take part in a workshop where they presented their core needs and equipment shortfalls. All the partners discussed these and identified the core cross-cutting needs to be used to develop a prioritised procurement plan for the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
DRDM seeks to identify national risk and disaster management equipment needs.
DRDM held a meeting of key first responder agencies on the 15th of February at the new offices of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Police Force, Coastguard, Fire Brigade, the Environmental Engineering and Water Section (EEWS) and of course DRDM itself.
The meeting had three main objectives:
• To identify the core cross-cutting needs of Key 1st responder agencies.
• Identify priority listing within project context and budget.
• Identify national priority listing for DRR equipment purchase.
After a brief introduction to the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project (NDPRP) and the objectives of the meeting in that context, each agency gave a brief presentation on their priority equipment needs followed by an opportunity for those present to enquire as to the nature and specifics of the desired items.
Meeting attendees then discussed and sought to identify the core cross-cutting equipment needs this is particularly important as it offers the best return for funds invested in the context of the NDPRP. Once certain items were identified it was important to ascertain whether one model of the equipment type met the needs of the different agencies because the potential, buying in bulk and the standardising of equipment offers, in terms of lowering unit cost and enhancing equipment utility and maintenance respectively is significant.
Interestingly some of the most pressing cross-cutting needs identified pertained to quite basic equipment such as head torches, protective helmets and chemical protection suits giving insight to future budget planning priorities. Other items in high demand include the so-called “rugged” laptops designed for use in harsh environments and mobile/field scenarios and night vision goggles.
Importantly agencies still very much have in mind the “Plan B” approach which is essential in disaster or rough field scenarios. There is a natural temptation in this digital and gadget-filled world to seek out the latest technical solution to DRR issues. In a disaster scenario however one has to assume that normal utility provision and technical support may not be available. In this situation low-tech capacity and solutions are required and interestingly one of the most sought after items of kit was water proof note books. Participants also expressed interest in the acquisition of a number of standard field packs that would provide the necessary wherewithal for personnel to work in the field. The climate and/or terrain in Seychelles can be very physically testing – when responding to disasters such as forest fires or landslides. All agencies agreed a standard kit with items such as a machete, hatchet, length of rope, first aid kit, “camel pack”, hard rations, handheld GPS etc... would be very useful. With consultation the contents of these packs could be developed to suit the main terrestrial field activities and be stored and maintained in a central location for multi-service access and use as required.
The findings of the stakeholder workshop will now be utilised to develop an equipment procurement plan for the NDPRP for submission to the World Bank for approval, whilst the broader national priority equipment listing will assist in future planning and liaison with donors and partners.
The meeting had three main objectives:
• To identify the core cross-cutting needs of Key 1st responder agencies.
• Identify priority listing within project context and budget.
• Identify national priority listing for DRR equipment purchase.
After a brief introduction to the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project (NDPRP) and the objectives of the meeting in that context, each agency gave a brief presentation on their priority equipment needs followed by an opportunity for those present to enquire as to the nature and specifics of the desired items.
Meeting attendees then discussed and sought to identify the core cross-cutting equipment needs this is particularly important as it offers the best return for funds invested in the context of the NDPRP. Once certain items were identified it was important to ascertain whether one model of the equipment type met the needs of the different agencies because the potential, buying in bulk and the standardising of equipment offers, in terms of lowering unit cost and enhancing equipment utility and maintenance respectively is significant.
Interestingly some of the most pressing cross-cutting needs identified pertained to quite basic equipment such as head torches, protective helmets and chemical protection suits giving insight to future budget planning priorities. Other items in high demand include the so-called “rugged” laptops designed for use in harsh environments and mobile/field scenarios and night vision goggles.
Importantly agencies still very much have in mind the “Plan B” approach which is essential in disaster or rough field scenarios. There is a natural temptation in this digital and gadget-filled world to seek out the latest technical solution to DRR issues. In a disaster scenario however one has to assume that normal utility provision and technical support may not be available. In this situation low-tech capacity and solutions are required and interestingly one of the most sought after items of kit was water proof note books. Participants also expressed interest in the acquisition of a number of standard field packs that would provide the necessary wherewithal for personnel to work in the field. The climate and/or terrain in Seychelles can be very physically testing – when responding to disasters such as forest fires or landslides. All agencies agreed a standard kit with items such as a machete, hatchet, length of rope, first aid kit, “camel pack”, hard rations, handheld GPS etc... would be very useful. With consultation the contents of these packs could be developed to suit the main terrestrial field activities and be stored and maintained in a central location for multi-service access and use as required.
The findings of the stakeholder workshop will now be utilised to develop an equipment procurement plan for the NDPRP for submission to the World Bank for approval, whilst the broader national priority equipment listing will assist in future planning and liaison with donors and partners.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Local Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Local Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management in the Department of Environment are seeking applications to fulfil the role of Local Consultant and undertake the following works in partnership with and support of an International Consultant:
• Undertake a risk and disaster preparedness assessment of the Seychelles Industrial Sector at systemic and industrial estate level.
• Develop, through stakeholder consultation, a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Industrial Sector.
Skills/Experience/Qualifications.
Applicants should have:
• A University degree in Industrial management, environmental management, engineering, Strategic Planning or related field.
• At least 5 years experience working in the Seychelles Industrial sector.
• Experience in strategic planning and workshop facilitation,
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
Suite 3, Block B,
Global Village Building,
Mont Fleuri, Seychelles.
Telephone: 670470 Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: 28th February 2011
Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management in the Department of Environment are seeking applications to fulfil the role of International Consultant and undertake the following works in partnership with and supported by a Local Consultant:
• Undertake a risk and disaster preparedness assessment of the Seychelles Industrial Sector at systemic and industrial estate level.
• Develop, through stakeholder consultation, a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Industrial Sector.
Skills/Experience/Qualifications.
Applicants should have:
• Higher degree in Industrial management, environmental management, engineering or other pertinent field.
• At least 10 years experience in Industrial governance preferably with an international or regional agency.
• Experience in industrial strategic planning.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
Suite 3, Block B,
Global Village Building,
Mont Fleuri, Seychelles.
Telephone: 670400 Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: 28th February 2011
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