Dar es Salaam. The government of Tanzania has said it is committed to strengthening disaster preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery systems as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety and community resilience.
This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Dr Jim Yonazi, during the closing ceremony of a training workshop for trainers on disaster risk management, held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.
The training was organised by the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the Turkish Red Crescent, and Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Dr Yonazi said the initiative aimed at building national and regional capacities to manage disasters effectively and protect citizens.
He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in disaster risk reduction (DRR), noting that such partnerships were vital in creating resilient and sustainable communities.
“Empowering community leaders is a crucial element of disaster preparedness, as they are the first responders during emergencies. Their role in coordinating aid and ensuring the safety and well-being of the population cannot be overstated,” said Dr Yonazi.
He extended appreciation to all partners who contributed to the success of the training, including TİKA, the IORA Secretariat, the Turkish Red Crescent, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, acknowledging their valuable support and strong collaboration.
“It is a great honour for the United Republic of Tanzania to host such an important training for the region’s development. I wish you all the best and hope your stay in Dar es Salaam and Tanzania has been pleasant. You are most welcome again and again,” Dr Yonazi added.
On his part, the Turkish Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Bekir Gezer, reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Tanzania, particularly in matters related to disaster management.
He noted that his country stands ready to provide essential equipment to aid disaster response efforts.
The collaborative training effort reflects growing regional and international resolve to bolster disaster management frameworks, as climate change and urbanisation continue to increase the frequency and complexity of emergencies across the globe.
