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Nqobile Bhebhe in Victoria Falls

THE SADC region shares a strong commitment towards improving Disaster Risk Reduction strategies, particularly in the face of escalating disasters as a result of climate change and human activity, a cabinet minister has said.

Speaking at the closing session for the Committee of SADC Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management here in Victoria Falls, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe said the ultimate goal is to make the region disaster resilient by ensuring that investment in disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery is prioritised.

Minister Garwe is the Chairperson of the Committee of SADC Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management.

“It is clear that as a region we share the same sentiments and strong commitment towards improving our Disaster Risk Reduction strategies, particularly in the face of escalating disaster events as a result of climate change and human activity.

” I am therefore convinced that we will be better prepared to protect our communities and respond effectively when need arises,” said Minister Garwe.

He noted that as we move forward, it is critical for the bloc to remain focussed on collaboration, continuous improvement and the implementation of the plans and decisions discussed and agreed on.

“Our collective effort towards this cause will surely strengthen our resilience in the face of disasters.

” In that regard, it is therefore essential that we stay adaptable and proactive in addressing emerging challenges as they come.”

The risk management meeting was officially opened by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga earlier in the day.

Dr Chiwenga urged Sadc member states to strengthen their disaster early warning systems to empower communities to make informed decisions to minimise the impact of disasters.

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga

“I urge Member States to strengthen their early warning systems to empower communities to make informed decisions to minimise the impact of disasters.

“The recurrence of natural disasters in the region, at accelerated frequency, requires vigilance and pro-activeness, instead of only reacting when disasters occur,” he said.

“Disaster preparedness is the function of robust early warning systems, proper coordination, and capacitation of structures for effective disaster risk management.

“In the same stride, other components that constitute the disaster management gamut such as response, recovery, reconstruction, and resilience-building should not be overlooked.”

Dr Chiwenga said overally, the combined impacts of the disasters over the past few years amount to billions of dollars in damages and losses.

He noted that the residual effects of the disasters also make it difficult for member states to respond to new and emerging issues.

Therefore this state of affairs calls for robust disaster preparedness, mitigation and innovative financing mechanisms, which are critical areas that need proper attention, he said.

The meeting was convened to review progress on the implementation of SADC programmes and activities aimed at strengthening the region’s preparedness to disaster risks as well as mitigating the impacts of disasters.

This is in view of the escalating disaster events which the region is experiencing as a result of climate change.