ISLAMABAD, Jan 8: The establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) appears to have fallen victim to bureaucratic wrangling between the federal government and donor agencies, both wanting the other to play its part first.
The ordinance, covering the disaster management system was promulgated last month after a 15-month delay, stipulated that the federal government shall, immediately after issue of notification establish the authority.
The federal government had assured the donors at a conference last month that the authority would come into existence immediately after the promulgation of ordinance.
Representatives of donor agencies claimed that they were very keen to get on with the project, but the government lacked clarity about future strategy and understanding of the process.
The donors insist that the government should first put up the rules and regulations that are going to govern the NDMA and its structure, which would ultimately run the whole system, before they (donors) put in their money.
The donors also have certain reservations about the financial contribution from the government for the setting up of a national disaster management system. So far, the government says it has got the political will to establish the system, but the donors should foot the bill.
