East African Legislative Assembly, Zanzibar, Tanzania: 19 October, 2016: The Assembly was unanimous today in offering its condolences and sympathies to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the victims of the earthquake following the disaster that shattered Kagera region on September 10th, 2016
Resources permitting, the Assembly is also expected to make a visit to the affected Kagera region to appraise itself on the impact of the earthquake as it pledges support in addressing its aftermath.
The Resolution condoling with the victims of the unfortunate tragedy was moved by Hon Shyrose Bhanji and seconded by Hon Nancy Abisai, Hon Yves Nsabimana, Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana, Hon Abdullah Mwinyi and Hon Twaha Taslima.
The Earthquake which read on a scale of 5.7 on the seismograph struck Nsunga, Kagera region in the North-Western parts of Lake Victoria and the resultant tremors were felt far and wide as they rippled parts of Western Kenya and the Republic of Uganda.
The Earthquake shock had a maximum intensity of V11 (very Strong) on the scale leading to a loss of 17 lives, injury of 440 persons and displacement of thousands of people, as well as massive destruction of properties and livelihoods.
The Resolution took cognizant of the immediate intervention by the Government of Tanzania, made through the Prime Minister’s Office. Notably, the Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign affairs and EAC Co-operation held a charity walk, whose chief participant was H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Walk attracted several persons from the local and international community.
In her justification, Hon Bhanji said the earthquake was perhaps the strongest felt in history of the United Republic of Tanzania. The situation got bad and even the academic calendars of schools were affected with authorities having to relocate students to safer grounds.
Key centres such as government buildings, churches, health centres were also damaged in one way or another.
At the same time, Hon Bhanji appreciated a number of stakeholders from the private, public organisations and members of the diplomatic community who contributed the initiative in form of financial, moral and material support to address the devastating effect of the earthquake.
“This is greatly appreciated Hon Speaker”, the legislator said. “It is estimated the reconstruction and renovation of the schools alone shall cost no less than 40 Billion Tanzania Shillings”, she added.
Contributing to the debate, Hon Nancy Abisai said the earthquake was felt in many parts of East Africa. “The magnitude of the earthquake was very big and was felt in some parts of Western Kenya. I thank the Republic of Kenya who in the spirit of integration sent contribution as did Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. All Partner States contributed or sent their sympathies”, she said.
“The House passed a Bill on Disaster Risk Management and this should prepare us for the future. Awareness and disaster preparedness is necessary to enable us to know”, she reiterated.
“When you look at Florida and South Carolina, thousands of people were saved as compared to the hurricane disaster in Haiti which claimed many more,” Hon Abisai added.
Hon Abubakar Zein lauded all those who came to the aid of Kagera region.
“I thank especially H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi who has gracefully continued to support worthy causes in the region”, he added.
Hon Mike Sebalu said out of the cause of H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi, a cancer ward has been constructed in Kampala.
“At the rotary walk held in Dar es Salam last week, resources were also mobilized to put up a teaching Hospital in Dar es Salaam, he added. The Legislator called on the region to take matters of disasters seriously.
Hot Patricia Hajabakiga said it was necessary for the Summit of the EAC Heads of State to fastrack the assent of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.
Hon Ussi Maryam, Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Dr Martin Nduwimana, Hon Abubkar Zein, Hon Taslima Twaha, Hon Martin Ngoga supported the Resolution. Others were Hon Adam Kimbisa, Hon Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Isabelle Ndahayo, Hon Mukasa Mbidde, Hon Judith Pareno, Hon Angela Kizigha.
The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Hon Dr Susan Kolimba assured the House that the Act on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management was before the Heads of State for assent. She hailed the Partner States for their timely contribution to the United Republic of Tanzania.
Under Article 112 (1) (d) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC, the Partner States undertake to, among, other things, co-operate in the management of the environment and agree to take necessary disaster preparedness, management protection and mitigation measures especially for the control of natural and man-made disasters, which include oil spills, bio-hazards, floods, earthquakes, marine accidents, drought and bushfires.
Ends-
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