NGOs urge government to step up preparedness for El Niño rains

Non-governmental and civil society organisations are calling on the government to ramp up its preparedness for the El Niño rains expected to begin in October. The organisations say the government must ensure funds set aside for El Niño preparedness are used prudently and effectively, with priority given to areas requiring urgent intervention. They are also calling for adequate and timely information to be disseminated to communities in areas likely to be adversely affected by the rains, to help residents prepare for the expected impact.