Some more interesting points here. Building up of back-up supplies is always somewhat controversial, and again there is a question of balance here. There are large warehouses used by the UN around the world, and these can draw down on supplies at relatively short notice. The Australian government also has a relief warehouse in Brisbane, with material which can be flown out at short notice to the Pacific. So it’s good to have some central warehouses such as these. If all major NGOS 9for example) tried to duplicate this, there potentially is a duplication of materials, with lots of expenditure on items which may be rarely used. ideally, these supplies should be accessed by locally purchased materials, as the latter contribute to the local economy. When I was working for ACOM in Luganville, Santo (in Vanuatu), one of our recommendations was to research into the likely relief supplies needed in the emergency response/early recovery stages of a disaster, which could be accessed from local large stores..eg things such as building materials, pumps, generators, shovels, tarpaulins, rope, plastic sheeting, cooking items, tinned or bagged food etc. Ideally simple contractual arrangements could be made with these stores, so that Items could be readily made accessible (with perhaps payment coming in afterwards). There is a role for the Chamber of Commerce to help expedite this..l .
