Regional Legislators push for Disaster Preparedness in light of Climate Change
A key policy report on Climate Change and Gender is calling on EAC Partner States to promote pro-active approaches through adequate preparedness and appropriate strategies in light of Climate Change.
The Report which follows a regional Parliamentary workshop held in Burundian Capital, Bujumbura in March 2015 was this afternoon debated and approved by EALA. The Report was presented by the Chairperson of the Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources Committee, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo.
The Report says that approaches such as early warning systems and modalities for flood and drought management need to be inculcated. Closely related to this aspect is the need for the EAC Partner States and the East African Community to advocate for strong institutional and governance structures.
In addition, the Assembly is of the view that the Secretariat invests in climate / disaster-focused research and tools, Participatory Capacity and Vulnerability Analysis to boost the preparedness of the region.
The objectives of the workshop was to create awareness amongst Members of EALA on the critical cross-cutting subjects of Climate Change and Gender, and to consider existing international and regional policies, strategies and regulatory instruments and frameworks on Climate Change and Gender.
At the same time, the workshop sought to identify the role of Parliamentarians in implementation of Gender-sensitive Climate Change policies and practical measures.
In the past, EALA has passed several environmental Bills including Transboundary Ecosystems Management Bill (2010), the EAC Polythene Material Control Bill, 2014. The EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Control Bill (2014) is under consultation. Work has also commenced on the EAC Climate Change Bill and a Climate Change Fund.
During debate today, Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi called for demarcation of specific areas for cattle keepers so that enough fodder is realised and sustainability is realised.
“We need a recommendation to that effect from the report such that it adds to the dimension of Climate Change and Gender. Farmers are predominantly women while cattle keepers are pre-dominantly men”, he said. “There is need for a region-wide policy to deal with any imminent clashes that may arise”, he added.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru said natural and man-made events both contribute to Climate Change. “We have the Disaster Risk Reduction Bill pending before the House. It needs to brought forth immediately by the Council of Ministers”, she said.
Hon. Susan Nakawuki lauded the City Council of Arusha for greening the City by planting more trees. “We should all borrow from the successes of the City”.
She called on the Partner States to ensure the EAC Climate Change Fund received funding.
Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza said the Assembly could champion the importance of the Climate Change Fund. “As an Assembly, we can support the Fund in a symbolic manner”, she said.
Hon. Dora Byamukama, Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon. Sarah Bonaya also supported the Report.