Lelo's Ana Natsvlishvili Urges Government Action on Disaster Risk Management Strategy
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
At a briefing held at the party's office, Lelo member Ana Natsvlishvili stated that the government is obligated to promptly develop a natural disaster risk management strategy and action plan to ensure that people are not left alone and vulnerable in the face of natural disasters.
She emphasized that the government is obliged to incorporate all steps and measures to be implemented in the developed strategy and action plan.
"Six months have passed since the Shovi disaster. It is a fact that the government still does not have a natural disaster risk management strategy and action plan. As a result, we witnessed more victims in Keda and Baghdati. Yesterday's announcement by the Prime Minister and the government's praise, despite the loss of 11 lives and severe material damage to many families, is nothing but cynicism.
In the government plan presented by Kobakhidze's cabinet, it was not even considered necessary to devote a separate chapter to this issue. Only a few sentences are dedicated to this topic in the chapter on environmental protection, and the content is extremely general and vague," said Natsvlishvili.
Natsvlishvili emphasized the importance for the government to investigate the causes of the disasters in Shovi, Guria, Khulo, Keda, and Baghdati, as well as the state's readiness and response levels.
According to the Lelo leader, the government should turn to local and international experts for help and include their knowledge and experience in the development of the strategy. Additionally, they should reach out to the international community, particularly countries vulnerable to natural disasters, to seek expert assistance, share experiences, and secure additional funds for the system's creation.
"At both the central and local levels, a system focused on disaster risk management should be created and maintained, which will focus directly on these issues and will not be hindered by other functions and obligations," Natsvlishvili stated.
