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.