VNG International Procured and Supplied 182 Pieces of Essential Firefighting Equipment To Local Authorities in Hargeisa and Burao, To Improve Fire Safety.

Dec 6

Written By Association of Local Government Authorities of Somaliland (ALGASL)

In the fateful month of April 2022, the vibrant heart of Hargeisa, Somaliland, experienced a devastating blow as a major fire erupted within the bustling Waaheen Market. The fire not only engulfed the market but also wreaked havoc on nearby buildings, leaving a massive scale destruction. The Government of Somaliland, grappling with the aftermath, estimated the financial toll of this calamity to be a staggering 1.5–2 billion USD, underscoring the magnitude of the disaster.

Regarded as one of the most severe crises in recent Somaliland history, the Waaheen Market fire cast a long shadow over the local economy, posing a formidable challenge to recovery and reconstruction efforts.

In response to this dire situation, Danwadaag Programme, as part of its adaptive strategies in times of crisis, took swift action. VNG International, as a lead agency, facilitated a need-based intervention, on August 23, 2023, following a close consultation with local authorities, to address the pressing issue of fire safety.

The core of this intervention lies in the procurement and distribution of 182 pieces of fire extinguishers to the local authorities in Hargeisa and Burao. These firefighting apparatuses are designated to find their home within local district offices, strategically positioned to serve as inspirations of safety and preparedness. The underly ing goal is not just the distribution of essential firefighting equipment but, crucially, to instigate a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing and implementing robust fire safety measures.

By focusing on local authorities as the lead for Disaster Risk Management services, the intervention aspires to create a ripple effect. The hope is that these authorities, by modeling proactive safety measures, will serve as catalysts, inspiring businesses and communities to emulate and strengthen their own disaster risk management protocols. This approach is not merely a reaction to a crisis but a visionary step towards fostering a resilient and prepared community.

Crucially, the intervention is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, it is finely tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of Somaliland community. By acknowledging and adapting to the unique challenges and dynamics in Somaliland, the initiative seeks to enhance both the effectiveness and sustainability of disaster risk management initiatives.

In essence, Danwadaag’s intervention surpasses the immediate response to the Waaheen Market fire. It represents a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy, aiming not only to heal the wounds inflicted by the disaster but also to fortify the community against future adversities. Through such targeted and community-tailored initiatives, there is a genuine prospect of rebuilding not just structures but resilience and hope within the fabric of Somaliland.

DANWADAAG aims to increase government legitimacy through efficient and effective disaster risk management (DRM) based on access to information, inclusive policies and services. DRM is approached as a channel to improve the social contract between communities and public authorities.