Accra, May 6, GNA – Western and Central Africa Port Security, European Union (EU) project, has expressed commitment to supporting the efforts of ports in the region to manage and mitigate the impact of the new coronavirus.
WeCAPS believes the maritime industry is playing an essential role in response to the global threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic which has triggered dire consequences for societies and nations.
Communication Expert at WeCAPS, Marion Piccio, who said this in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, added that given the situation it was important to allow maritime trade to continue and the world’s ports remain open.
“The EU reacted promptly in response to this crisis and WeCAPS adapted its operations adopting measures to protect the personnel working in port communities and ensure the continuity of maritime operations,” Piccio, said in the statement.
The statement said WeCAPS approached partners of the project, in consultation with the European Union Delegations concerned and Expertise France with a series of actions to support them in facing this crisis.
The meeting discussed issues on knowledge sharing and distance learning platforms concerning biological risk, with a focus on the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus and the associated COVID-19 disease, it said.
It added that the meeting enabled port actors to have a good basic knowledge of the disease, its modes of propagation and the measures to be implemented to protect all personnel.
The project also addressed to the beneficiary ports its best practice guide, developed by the project’s civil protection expert and based on the operational procedures of European fire and rescue services, aimed at port authorities and first responders.
This, it said, would enable them to continue their activities and carry out safety and security missions while respecting “barrier” gestures.
The statement said WeCAPS would provide Personal Protective Equipment and operational response equipment to deal with the health crisis.
“These actions aim to help WeCAPS’ partner ports to address their urgent needs, enabling them to cope with the urgency of the situation and to maintain their activity operationally, to continue supplying the countries of the region,” it added.
WeCAPS contributes to strengthening the security and safety of West and Central African ports.
GNA