CUPDA Wants Gov’t Make It A National Urgency
PHOTO: CUPDA Executive Director, Victor Balo, addressing a news conference
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
A prodemocracy organization, Citizens United to Promote Development and Accountability (CUPDA) has advanced five-count recommendations aimed at reducing the high rate of fire disasters in several parts in the country.
The Executive Director of the organization, Victor Balo recommended, among other things, that the government publicly acknowledges and addresses the ongoing fire disaster as a matter of national urgency.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia, Mr. Balo proposed that the government investigate the root causes of these frequent fire disasters and implement preventive measures to proof the populace.
Balo called on the government and international provide necessary support and compensation to the victims of these tragedies by offering them the means to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The organization stressed the need to enhance the capacity of emergency services to respond to fire incidents properly and effectively.
The Executive Director of the Citizens United To Promote Development and Accountability stressed the to engage with civil society organizations such as CUPDA, in a transparent and collaborative effort to address the wider issues of disaster risk management and community resilience ..
He added that organization is deeply troubled by the harrowing spate of fire disasters that plagued Monrovia and other parts persistently, inflicting devastation upon the lives and properties of the Liberian people.
“Over the past two months,” he went on, “we have and continue to witness an alarming frequencies of these calamities.”
“These incidents have not only razed homes but have also resulted in the tragic loss of human lives,” he said.
“In the face of this ever-escalating crisis,” he explained, “the response of the government has been a conspicuous woefully inadequate.”
According to him, despite the severity of these events, there has been a conspicuous lack of public or policy statements from the government.
“The absence of governmental concern is palpable as families are left to confront the ashes of their belongings and the grief of losing loved ones, with indication that the causes of these fires will be investigated or addressed,” he said; adding: “the silence and inaction of the government in this national emergency are inacceptable and demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the wellbeing and security of its citizens.”
“The government’s failure to respond effectively to these disasters or to exhibit any semblance of empathy or urgency is a dereliction of its fundamental responsibilities.”
CUPDA condemned in the strongest possible term, the government’s negligence and demand immediate and decisive action to set this tide of destruction
Balo appealed to the international community to extend their support and solidarity to Liberia during this dire situation; noting: “international partners, humanitarian organizations and allies of Liberia are urgently needed to provide assistance and resources to bolster our national response to these disasters.”
“The time for complacency is over,” he said: “the ongoing fire disasters in Monrovia and its environs are clear and present danger to the fabric of our society, and they demand a response commensurate with their severity , CUPDA stands with the victims of these fires and will continue to advocate tireless for their rights and for the accountability pf those in power.”
Concluding, he said: “We will not remain silent as the flames of neglect threatens our nation’s future and the government must act now to demonstrate its commitment to its people and to ensure that such preventable tragedies for not become a fixture of our daily lives.”