By Chisom Okpala
In their quest for qualitative data information in order to conduct feasibility study that will ascertain the possibility of establishing risks transfer scheme in the state, the UNDP team has paid a visit to the Anambra State Bureau of Statistics, Awka.
Speaking during their visit, the UNDP Project Coordinator, Insurance and Risks Finance Unit, Mr Henry Akwith, listed some of the rising risks disaster to include; frequent flooding, erosion, fire outbreaks, and droughts as a result of climate change.
He noted that the team is in the state to carry out a feasibility study that will guarantee it benefiting from the scheme as a means to help the state build resistance against some shores.
According to him, Anambra is among the lead flood-prone states, so the need to adopt sustainable measures that will help cushion the effects of flooding in the state.
Adding, the UNDP Consultant that has been engaged to carry out the feasibility study in the development of a risk finance scheme for Anambra, Prof. Ben Ishioolo solicited for statistical data specific to the project to be made available to the team.
Responding the Statistician General/Managing Director Anambra State Bureau of Statistics, Dr Obiora Obiabunmo assured the UNDP team of the bureau assistance and support, stating its readiness to work with the team.
Speaking on the availability of data information, the statistician general said that Anambra operates an open data system, promised to provide the needed data information on disaster occurrences within the state, its frequency as well as economic cost and loss.
Dr. Obiabunmo further called for synergy among the development partners and state stakeholders from all relevant MDAs, stressing that it will help boost human capacity development, ensure effective and sustainable outcome.
Other members of the UNDP team present include; Development Finance Associate UNDP, Ikenna Orji and Project Officer SouthEast UNDP, Chinwetalu Okosi.
Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
