October 2, 2015 By Memunatu Bangura
The Office of National Security (ONS) has sternly warned non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community based organisations (CBOs) who provide support to flood victims to operate within recognised structures set by the government.
In a press release, the agency states that the Command of the Flood Emergency Response Centre was established by the government to provide leadership and coordination of relief efforts and the registration of flood victims.
It further states that the ONS appreciates the efforts of NGOs and CBOs for providing support to the flood victims, but completely frowns at any NGO or CBO that operates outside the already existed structures.
While reading the release during the weekly Ministry of Information press briefing yesterday, Director of Research and Planning at ONS, Francis Langumba Keilie, cautioned NGOs and CBOs to desist from registering flood victims as such practice has the tendency to cause problems for the ONS as to giving the exact number of victims.
He said the ONS still recognises and appreciates the invaluable contributions of NGOs and CBOs in supporting the flood victims.
“Government has established various committees to bring…ministries, departments and agencies and other development partners together to avoid duplication of the effort, and to provide a more robust and coordinated response,” he said.
He called on NGOs and CBOs who are desirous of supporting flood victims to visit the ONS Command Centre at the Presidential Lounge of the National Stadium to engage with members of the respective pillars established by government to respond to the emergency.