The Comorian government has broken ground on a new civil security building in the region of Mwali, aimed at enhancing disaster prevention and response capabilities. The project, valued at 268 million Comorian francs, is financed by the People's Republic of China and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The ceremony took place on November 5 in Fomboni, in the presence of high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Interior and Territorial Administration, Mohamed Ahmed Assoumani.
The new building will cover an area of 1,100 square meters and feature two levels, housing 16 offices, a conference room, two separate dormitories for men and women, an infirmary, an operations room, and a training space. The construction, to be carried out by China Geo-Engineering Corporation, is expected to be completed within 12 months. This infrastructure aims to strengthen the regional direction's capacity to prevent and manage disasters on the island, ultimately saving lives.
The project aligns with the Comorian government's vision to enhance population protection nationwide. According to Minister Assoumani, early warning systems are crucial, but they require a chain of observation, analysis, decision-making, transmission, and action on the ground. He emphasized that the government will provide the necessary human resources and operational means to ensure the effective use and sustainability of the infrastructure.
UNDP Resident Representative, Luca Monge Roffarello, highlighted that this initiative builds on previous efforts to construct and equip the National Civil Security Directorate and its regional branch in Ndzuani. He expressed hope that every Comorian family will receive timely alerts, stressing that prompt dissemination of information and coordinated interventions can save lives.
The new civil security building in Mwali will enable the regional direction to receive meteorological and geological information, analyze it at the island level, transmit it to communities, and mobilize intervention teams. The director-general of Civil Security, Colonel Soilihi Abdallah Rafik, stated that the infrastructure will serve as a hub for prevention, preparation, coordination, and disaster response, working in conjunction with emergency operation centers in Ngazidja and Ndzuwani.
Colonel Rafik emphasized that the goal is for this infrastructure to be more than just a workplace, but a vibrant center for disaster risk management. The project, initiated by the Head of State in 2023, aims to equip each island with an operational infrastructure capable of responding effectively to disasters close to the population.
The construction of the new civil security building in Mwali marks a significant step towards strengthening disaster response in Comoros. With the support of international partners, the government is working to enhance the country's resilience to natural hazards, ultimately protecting the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
Key points
- The new civil security building in Mwali will be funded by China and the UNDP to the tune of 268 million Comorian francs.
- The infrastructure will feature 16 offices, a conference room, dormitories, an infirmary, and an operations room.
- The project aims to enhance disaster prevention and response capabilities in the Mwali region.
