ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission has initiated a significant expansion of the country’s strategic reserve capacity, with the construction of modern warehouses designed to nearly double the national storage capability.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, speaking to ENA, these new facilities are a part of a broader strategy to improve Ethiopia’s self-reliance in humanitarian support. The initiative seeks to reduce the current dependency mindset, which Shiferaw argues stifles innovation and is out of step with Ethiopian values.

The construction of these modern storage facilities, which comply with international standards, is currently underway in the central Ethiopia, Amhara, and Somali regions. The completion of these facilities in Hossana, Finote Selam, and Kebri Dehar is expected to boost the national warehouse storage capacity from the current 23 percent to 47 percent.

The newly implemented Disaster Risk Management Policy not only aims to elevate productivity-oriented thinking among citizens but also establishes a contingency fund to enhance revenue capacity and facilitate public participation in disaster preparedness. This fund will support a range of activities, from pre-disaster readiness to post-disaster recovery, aiming to cultivate a more resilient community through enhanced mutual support.

Furthermore, the policy is part of Ethiopia’s broader goal to strengthen its sovereign independence and the dignity of its citizens by bolstering its capability to manage disasters with domestic resources. The federal level strategic reserve is targeting a stockpile of 150,000 metric tons, while regions are encouraged to build their reserves based on local environmental conditions and needs.

In his closing remarks, Shiferaw emphasized that the ultimate goal is to build resilience through enhanced cooperation and networking, thereby reducing the country’s vulnerability to disasters.