Djibouti News Gazette

The Speaker of the Lower House of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe), and a delegation he led arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and received a warm welcome from some of the Saudi Parliamentarians and the Charge d’Affaires of the Somali Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

The Speaker who is on an official visit will have talks with his Saudi counterpart, Dr. Abdullahi bin Mohamed bin Ibrahim Ala Sheikh to discuss the cooperation of both parliaments.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Yesterday, an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale rattled the middle of the Red Sea, approximately 180 to 260 kilometers from Lasqorey. Although no casualties or damages were reported, concerns over Somalia’s disaster management capabilities have emerged, prompting urgent action and highlighting the need for comprehensive measures.

The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) swiftly reached out to the National Disaster Management Authority to gather information on the earthquake and its potential impact. Khadar Sheikh Mohamed Nur, the Director of Risk Management at the Disaster Management Authority, responded to SONNA’s inquiry, providing crucial insights into the situation.

Confirming the seismic event, Khadar Sheikh Mohamed Nur assured the public that the Disaster Management Authority is diligently monitoring the situation for any further developments. Recognizing the challenges faced by the authority, he highlighted the urgent need for support from national and international organizations to bolster their resources and enhance their capacity to handle earthquakes and other potential disasters.

Nur stressed the importance of conducting a thorough study of the region’s seismic patterns. He emphasized that a comprehensive research and analysis would provide vital insights into the geological dynamics at play and identify potential risks. Armed with this knowledge, Somalia’s disaster management authorities can develop effective response strategies and reduce the impact of future seismic activities.

The director also emphasized the critical need for early earthquake detection systems. By equipping vulnerable areas with advanced seismic monitoring technology, authorities can receive timely warnings and alerts. This would enable them to initiate evacuation procedures promptly, minimizing potential damages and saving lives. Investing in early earthquake detection systems is paramount to improving Somalia’s disaster response capabilities and safeguarding its population.

Furthermore, Khadar Sheikh Mohamed Nur highlighted the importance of public education and awareness. He stressed the need to educate citizens on proper response protocols, including earthquake preparedness, evacuation procedures, and the location of designated safe zones. By empowering the public with knowledge and information, Somalia can enhance community resilience and effectively mitigate the potential impact of future seismic events.

The recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder that Somalia’s disaster management infrastructure requires immediate attention and investment. In light of this wake-up call, Khadar Sheikh Mohamed Nur urges the government and stakeholders to prioritize disaster preparedness and take concrete steps to bridge existing gaps. Strengthening the capacity of the disaster management authority and implementing comprehensive measures will ensure a proactive and effective response to future disasters.

To address these challenges, Nur calls upon national and international organizations to provide the necessary resources, technical expertise, and training. By joining forces, these collaborative efforts can significantly contribute to building a safer and more resilient Somalia.

As the National Disaster Management Authority, led by Khadar Sheikh Mohamed Nur, continues to closely monitor the situation, swift action is imperative. Nur emphasizes the importance of the government, in coordination with stakeholders, prioritizing the implementation of the aforementioned measures. By doing so, Somalia can fortify its resilience and enhance its ability to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

The earthquake in the Red Sea region serves as a reminder that disaster preparedness is not a luxury but a necessity. It is essential to learn from this event and work collectively to protect and safeguard the lives and well-being of the Somali people.

Source: Somali National News Agency

The Seychelles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) raised over SCR10,000 ($774) during the first two months of launching its first-ever birthday pledge.

Geared towards bringing the community together on a long-term basis to make a difference in the well-being and care of the animals, the 2023 SSPCA Birthday Pledge is a yearlong fundraising effort that started on January 1 and will end on December 31.

Through fundraising, members of the public and local businesses can pledge a donation, supplies, and or volunteer time in honour of their birthdays.

The project leader, Chloe de Speville, said that the pledges will help with the ongoing costs of food, and equipment such as quarantine facilities for puppies, towels, and toys among others.

SSPCA’s main objectives are to prevent cruelty to animals and inspire animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in the island nation. The society runs a shelter that temporarily houses abandoned and stray animals until they can be placed in a loving home.

SSPCA primarily focuses on rehoming, education and sterilization. (Seychelles Nation) Photo License: CC-BY

“We have a vet on site, a full team of staff, and volunteers to attend to over 200 dogs and 40 cats. We want the public to realise that they can help, even if they think it is a small donation it goes a long way. We already have over SCR10,000 worth of pledges,” said De Speville.

She also shared with SNA that everyone – locals and tourists – are eligible to make a pledge.

“Pledges made by individuals under 16 must be signed for on behalf of a parent or guardian. We ask that the public or businesses call or WhatsApp their full name, birth date, contact details, and pledge amount or pledge type to 2710088. Any monetary amount is welcome from as little as SCR50 ($4),” she added.

Any pledge made is due on the individual’s birthday or business establishment’s date. The person or business has the choice to make a bank transfer if a monetary pledge was made. Alternatively, payment can be made at SSPCA via POS. Supplies will have to be left at the shelter.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, and security agents who will condone the brewing, sale and consumption of illicit brews in Kericho County will be sacked with immediate effect, Kericho County Commissioner Michael Lesimam has said.

The CC who was addressing this year’s 60th Madaraka day celebrations held at Litein High School in Kericho was concerned that there was no way brewing of illicit liquor was going on within the radius of half a kilometer from a chief’s camp or a police station without the knowledge of the government officers.

Lesimam said the vice will no longer be condoned and those responsible in ensuring that brewing and consumption was put to an end, will not only lose their jobs but also dealt with in accordance with the law.

‘I am very serious about eradication of the vice in Kericho and for the first time in history during my tenure, officers responsible will go home,’ said Lesimam.

The County Commissioner also assured the Multinational Tea Estate companies that the government had enhanced security within the farms to avert lawlessness as witnessed recently when irate protestors torched tea plucking machines belonging to Ekaterra Tea Company.

The CC said that the Tea Estates lost an estimated sh.150 million when protestors destroyed the tea company’s property including mechanized tea harvesting machines and other property.

He said there is proven evidence that the locals were incited into violence and lawlessness witnessed during the attack and that those responsible in the heinous act including perpetrators will be brought to book.

‘Let’s respect our local investors and live peacefully with them since they contribute significantly to the growth of the economy through export of tea and also through social corporate responsibility where they are participating in building of schools for the local community and also sponsoring bright students from humble backgrounds,’ said the County Commissioner.

Kericho Governor Dr Erick Mutai speaking at same ceremony urged the residents of Kericho to desist from invading the Multinational Tea farms to illegally pluck the tea or destroy property in the farms since the act was criminal adding that those found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted.

Mutai said though they are awaiting the final resolutions of a taskforce formed to look into the contentious tea issue, the residents of Kericho have no right to trespass private investor’ property.

The governor directed the Kericho County Commissioner to act on suspected people behind the growing incidents of strikes in schools where students of Litein High school, Cheborgei High school and Cheptenye High School, went on rampage and destroyed property in schools.

On development in the County, the Governor said that is government had prioritized on education of needy students from poor backgrounds by offering scholarships, provision of water especially in Bureti and other Sub-Counties and also the building of new roads.

The governor also revealed that the Oncology Treatment Facility was on course and was expected to be commissioned before the year ends in order to serve cancer patients from the region.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Uasin Gishu County Administration has identified key steps to ensure efficient service delivery to the residents like internet connectivity and improved infrastructure.

Speaking in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Chelilim reiterated the county’s commitment to expanding internet connectivity by providing Wi-Fi hotspots in all sub-counties, ward offices, and health centres.

He pointed out that the initiative is one of the county’s efforts to ensure technological advancement and facilitate the efficient provision of public services.

‘Over 600 Wi-Fi hotspots will be established throughout the county, supporting public service provisions and facilitating the mapping of public land parcels,’ he said.

The Governor also emphasized the county’s significant progress in enhancing the road network which has seen 200 kilometres of roads being marrumed, 800 kilometres of roads created, opening of 60 kilometres of new roads, and construction of more than 10 bridges.

He said that there are currently 140 road projects underway, focusing on maintenance, improvement, and drainage, with an estimated investment exceeding Sh 600 million.

Chelilim further emphasised the county’s unwavering commitment to ensuring enhanced healthcare service delivery by ensuring the availability of essential drugs and completing health facilities in key areas such as Kesses, Ziwa, and Turbo, which have been allocated funds in the budget.

The Governor reiterated the county’s dedication to providing accessible and quality healthcare services for all residents.

In regard to water services, Chelilim said the significance of water management as he highlighted strategic partnerships with various investors like Israel and others and the county’s water department to ensure sustainable access to clean water for all households.

These collaborations aim to promote sustainable water management and preserve reliable sources of water for communities within the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency