NCEM services sector convenes meeting to boost emergency readiness

Muscat: The Services Sector of the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) held its first meeting, during which a number of decisions were adopted aimed at enhancing coordination, preparedness and continuity of essential services during emergency situations.

The meeting approved the establishment of a framework for communication, information exchange and regular updates among sub-sectors during emergencies. It also endorsed an update of the National Basic Services Sector Plan for Emergency Management, in line with recent developments incorporated into the sector’s emergency management policy.

The meeting further decided to reconstitute the sectoral working committees and develop mechanisms for joint action and coordination among the basic services sub-sectors. Emphasis was also placed on implementing procedures to ensure the availability of alternative electricity sources at telecommunications, water and wastewater facilities, fuel filling stations and cooking gas outlets, in order to minimise the impact of any service disruptions on other essential services.

Participants also approved an update of the joint operational framework and the sector’s media communication plan, clearly defining roles and responsibilities among sub-sectors and supporting entities. In addition, the formation of sub-sector units in the governorates was agreed upon to enhance the readiness of the emergency response system at the local level.

The meeting underscored the importance of raising the sector’s preparedness level by strengthening coordination among the represented entities, adopting proactive planning based on risk analysis, and updating business continuity plans in accordance with emergency response frameworks.

The meeting reviewed developments in work during the past period, the progress made by entities in implementing the outcomes of the first meeting, and mechanisms for integrating roles to ensure an effective and organised response to emergencies. It also discussed participation in national emergency exercises organised by the National Committee for Emergency Management and its sectoral committees.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hina’i, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services Regulation and Head of the Services Sector at the National Committee for Emergency Management.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the basic services sub-sectors, including roads, electricity, telecommunications, water, wastewater, energy, fuel and waste management.