Ethiopia, in partnership with various stakeholders, is making concerted efforts to build its emergency response capacity in fire and disaster risk management systems to mitigate risks. Recently, the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) and the Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM) launched a project aimed at developing emergency and disaster response services. This two-year, seven-month initiative, funded by the Polish government at a cost of 1.6 million USD, focuses on enhancing the skills of firefighters and equipping facilities. The project primarily targets the Addis Ababa City Administration Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission’s (AAFDRMC) capabilities.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, AAFDRMC’s Emergency Response and Ambulance Service Director Umer Abdurezak stated that as the city expands, there is a pressing need to improve fire and disaster risk management services. The commission is implementing institutional reforms to address sector challenges and enhance emergency response, structured around five key pillars.
The collaboration between PCPM and AAFDRMC presents an opportunity to bridge skill gaps through training and equipment modernization. This partnership aims to bolster the commission’s performance, particularly in skills training with technical support, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of firefighters.
PCPM CEO Wojtek Wilk (PhD) emphasized that the project will significantly contribute to filling sector gaps by strengthening fire brigades through capacity building for firefighters and ambulance crews. The project prioritizes three East African countries-Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania-specializing in training, equipment provision, and capacity building for emergency response services.
“We aim to support Ethiopia, especially AAFDRMC, in establishing an integrated ambulance and fire brigade system. Our goal is to enhance emergency response capacity for the public, thereby improving the commission’s effectiveness. We hope our achievements in Addis Ababa will serve as a model for other countries,” Wilk stated.
Since 2015, PCPM, in collaboration with IIRR, has supported cities such as Bahir Dar, Gondar, Dessie, Kombolcha, Woliata Sodo, Dila, Hossana, and Hawassa by establishing fire brigades and providing skills training. The organization is committed to strengthening its collaboration with the Addis Ababa City Administration.
The fire and disaster risk management sector faces various challenges in Addis Ababa and other cities. Initiatives are underway to enhance professional skills, as the city has only basic emergency response capabilities compared to other regions. The program aims to train nearly 500 professionals, including nurses and drivers, each year.
“We need to address the distinct challenges at various levels, as the issues in Addis and other cities differ significantly. This long-term commitment project is designed to yield positive results across the country,” the CEO emphasized. He also noted that Polish government support extends beyond fire and disaster risk management, with plans for new areas of assistance in the future.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024
