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Fifty participants from key ministries including education and training, health and public works as well as non-governmental organisations, participated in the WASH in Emergencies workshop from 26-29 September.
The workshop was aimed at Recognising the importance of building capacity to respond to emergencies.
Radio Vanuatu rpeorts participants from the Department of Geology, Mines & Water Resources, with the support of UNICEF and the National Disaster Management Office, brought together partners to agree on planning, coordination and preparation to respond to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs during an emergency.
“There is a clear need for better understanding of how the humanitarian cluster system works to support the Government plan for responding to an emergency,” stated Director General of the Ministry of Lands, Joe Ligo, during the official opening. He emphasised, “It is important to ensure cross-sectoral partnerships for improved service delivery and accountability to affected populations during an emergency.”
Building on valuable lessons learned from Tropical Cyclone Pam that hit Vanuatu in 2015 and ongoing recovery work, the workshop focussed on: increasing partner understanding of existing emergency response structures and mechanisms; roles and responsibilities of partners within respective organisations (government and non-government) and accountability to affected populations; familiarisation of existing tools, processes, standards and resources for effective performance; increased cluster preparedness through informed planning; and advocacy for cross sectoral partnership and collaboration.
Andrew Parker, Chief of the UNICEF Vanuatu Field Office, said, “All partners coming to a common understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the sector is essential.” He added, “Ensuring planning takes into account lessons learned from past experiences is crucial. A focus on the needs of children and women who are more vulnerable after an emergency is necessary. The best way to ensure continuous services in any sector is to invest in systems, partnerships and coordination that can withstand the shock of a crisis.”
Building the capacity of the WASH sector partners, as well as across other sectors, is vital to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The workshop provided an opportunity to bring together all WASH partners for increased dialogue to better coordinate, plan and prepare for response to future emergencies.
Photo UNICEF
