By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has carried out an oversight assessment tour of the Protective Care Centres in Anambra State to ascertain the level of readiness to fight the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic.

Areas visited included General Hospital, Onitsha Umueri General Hospital, Aguleri Surge Centre, Ekwulobia General Hospital and Umuawulu Isolation Centre.

Addressing journalists at the end of the assessment tour, NEMA Southeast Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Fred Anusim, represented by the Assistant Coordinator, Mrs. Eyiuche Aniagor, noted that in addition to ascertaining Anambra’s readiness in the isolation centres.

He said that they want to have in their records the capacity of the isolation centres and actual number of persons it can accommodate.

His words: “We also want to know plans of SEMA in terms of security logistics and Mass-care on this COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to restricted movement in the state.

“The two agencies have brainstormed on easy ways of identification, enumeration and collation of data of the most vulnerable in all the communities in the state, for possible food, water and any other interventions by Federal Government.

“The isolation centres in Anambra are among the best in the country.”

While commending the state government for creating such facilities to contain the pandemic Anusim said the assessment will help NEMA in the application of palliatives

On his part, SEMA Executive Secretary, Chief Paul Odenigbo, expressed satisfaction at the timely visit of NEMA team saying that all hands are on deck to help contain the spread of the deadly virus in the state.

Executive Director of SEMA, Mr C Y Agupugo, said that Gov. Willie Obiano maintained a high level of commitment and dedication in fighting the pandemic.

According to him, the governor, have initiated various stimulus packages for the people of the state, with the aim to cushion the effects of the pandemic and the stay at home directive.

He added: “It is due to the governor’s proactive measures that led to zero Coronavirus in the state so far. We pray it remains that way until this pandemic is over.”

Agupugo also hailed the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala, and the COVID-19 virus Management Committee for their commitment and preparedness in the fight against the pandemic.