EA parliamentary sessions to discuss El-Nino, other disasters

JUST as meteorological agents in Tanzania, Kenya and other East African countries are warning against imminent El-Nino rains, whose effects are already being felt, the East African Legislative Assembly will use the seven-day parliamentary sessions in Arusha to address such calamities

EALA is starting the Fourth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Third Assembly which commences at the EALA Chambers here today, all the way to the next one of February 5, 2016.

The Assembly is to be presided over by the Speaker, Daniel Kidega. Top on the agenda during the two week period is debate on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2013, as well as reports emanating from various Committees following deliberations with key stakeholders in the integration process.

The objective of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2013 is to provide a legal framework at regional and national level for timely intervention in disaster situations and to protect the people and the natural environment affected by disaster through comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management.

The Bill which was due for the 3rd reading at the 4th meeting of the 2nd Session in Kampala, Uganda, in January 2014, was adjourned following a request by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, citing the need to consult the relevant provisions of the Treaty and to allow for pursuit of the ratification of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security.

The said Protocol among other objectives provides for co-operation in DRR management and crisis response