Mua pays visit to National Emergency Operations Centre

Recently appointed Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Honourable Dickson Mua Panakitasi has paid a visit to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) at Ranadi, Tuesday this week.

Minister Mua’s visit is purposely as part of orientation for his new role; witness firsthand and take stock of the pivotal role National Disaster Council (NDC) through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) rendered towards the SIG COVID-19 multi-sectoral response.

The visit is also timely seeing the tight schedule to have all stations and front liners gearing up to receive the repatriation flights Philippines students next week.

NDMO Director, Loti Yates briefed the minister on National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) arrangement, its alignment with provincial sectors and as to how government agencies and stakeholders are providing the required support through the set-up.

Director Yates highlighted the Camp Management Sector Committee (CMSC) who are in-charge of the Quarantine Stations and repatriated national’s welfare.

He shed light into some pressing issues of the CMSC which need immediate address at the cabinet level.

Mr Yates also provide an update on the progress work for Western border Quarantine Stations.

CMSC Chair Mr Karl Kuper also briefed minister Mua about their ongoing operations and upcoming repatriation flights.

Hon. Mua who recently appointed to take up the ministerial post last month is very impressed with the outstanding performance of the CMSC and coordination role of NEOC.

“I am happy with the performance and dedication you officers have been putting up to support the N-DOC and P-DOC Sector Committees.

“Keep up the good work and should there be any urgent matter, liaise to my office for further action,” the minister said.

Minister Mua assured the NDMO team that he will ensure that challenges and administrative matters during this emergency period will be brought to upper level for further deliberation.

He added that during his tenure in office, he will push for the division’s plan for a new building to host the National Joint Emergency Operations Centre and the NDMO office at Vavaya Ridge.