This project will also provide the agency with appropriate communication equipment to enhance its capabilities to provide early warning advisory.
Some capacity support will also be provided on the various aspects of disaster management, particularly to operate an efficient emergency operation center.
The project which is funded by the European Union amounting to $800,000 will be constructed at the airport near the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Building.
The facility will be used during times of disasters. It will also serves as a training center or a meeting venue.
In the opening program, President Johnson Toribiong delivered his remarks and expressed gratitude to the European Union for helping Palau in emergency preparedness project.
“Palau is a small country, but we are fortunate for having many friends like European Union,” President said.
EU Representative Lenaic Georgelin, who attended the ceremony said, the project is a collaborative effort among the various stakeholders, particularly the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), Office of the National Authorizing Officer and the Capital Improvement Program who will be involved in supervising the construction phase.
NEMO chief Alonz Kyota said the construction of the facility will start soon and the completion date will be in March 2011.
The National Emergency Committee (NEC) is chaired by Vice-president Kerai Mariur.
The NEC provides oversight of government partnerships and operates at a high level. It comprises most of government agencies’ directors and members. It’s operational goal is to save lives, protect property and the environment, and promote public health as mandated by government laws.
