Drought Management Committee Revamped

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has revamped its Drought Management Committee to better equip the body to play a more proactive role in mitigating the impacts of drought on the country.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure during a virtual briefing on Wednesday (July 8), to provide an update on the Government’s water initiatives and drought management response.

He said that the committee will work to improve the resilience and coping mechanisms of the country and spearhead the revision of the existing Drought Management Plan, which was developed in 2000.

“The committee has commenced the revision of the plan and it is anticipated that it will be completed during the second quarter of the 2020/21 financial year,” Mr. Vaz said.

The IWRMC is a subcommittee of the Integrated Water Resources Management Council (IWRMC) for which Cabinet approved the appointment of members in June.

The multidisciplinary and multisectoral body, led by the Economic Growth Ministry, is comprised of key stakeholders in the water, physical planning, health, housing, environment and climate change sectors, along with representatives from academia and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Minister Vaz noted that the establishment of the IWRMC seeks to facilitate broad-based consultation among key stakeholders on matters relating to water and water-related resources.

“The IWRMC will serve as an advisory body for the management of the island’s water resources as well as advancing the agenda for sustainable development,” he said.

In the meantime, Mr. Vaz informed that the Ministry will be developing the framework for a Beneficiary Identification System (BIS).

“The BIS will be used to support the provision of social water, which will ensure that the neediest households receive the assistance that they require to meet basic needs,” he noted.