KANDAHAR - Heads of sectoral groups, UN agencies and other officials met on Sunday to discuss natural disaster preparedness in Kandahar. The meeting took place at Kandahar Governor’s office and was chaired by Governor Dr. Toryali Wesa.

Led by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the UN agencies presented their plans of action in case of emergency during the meeting. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that they currently have around 2,000 metric tons food items in their storage facilities which is ample to assist around 200 families in case of emergency or natural disaster.

The other UN agencies also expressed their readiness and assured the Governor to provide assistance during natural disasters or any other emergency situation.

Kandahar Governor thanked the UN agencies for the support and recommended WFP to buy wheat from the local markets in order to boost the local economy. Governor added that instead of giving cooking oil, biscuits and beans to the students and teachers at schools, WFP should focus on sustainable projects and establish laboratories and other facilities at schools to help the education sector.

The governor instructed the heads of departments to work closely with the UN agencies and recommended a coordination meeting to be held twice a month.

Source: Kandahar Radio and TV