Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
REGIONAL cooperation in disaster risk reduction remains critical in Southern Africa, with SADC member states pushing for stronger preparedness and response systems.
The meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management has entered its second day in Masvingo Province, with senior officials and directors from member states intensifying deliberations on strengthening regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and response.
Delegates, who have been holding closed-door meetings since Monday, have developed a number of governance and operational instruments aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms across the region.
The instruments are expected to be tabled before ministers for approval this Wednesday.
“We have established a multi-hazard early warning system, so this document highlights the point of preparedness to respond. It is a people-centred document that aims to harmonise multi-hazard early warning systems in the region.
“We have also developed standard operating procedures for early warning monitoring, which is now an operational document that operationalises the multi-hazard early warning system.
“We have also developed standard operating procedures for the SADC response team, an operational system that governs day-to-day tasks when deploying the SADC response team, among others,” Acting Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction Unit at the SADC Secretariat, Ms Nana Dhlamini, said.
SADC senior officials said collaboration among member states remains key in enhancing disaster preparedness and response capacity within the region.
“We have been discussing collaborations and how best we can respond to disasters affecting SADC, as well as the structures we have established in which all SADC member states are involved and how we can enhance each other’s capacity.
“Most importantly, we have realised that communities are often cut off during periods of heavy rains as a result of floods, with low-lying bridges being washed away.
“One of the key issues emerging from these discussions is the need to ensure that early warning systems are rolled out to village level, especially in areas where communities have never received early warnings before, while strengthening collaboration,” Chairperson of SADC Senior Officials, Dr Elias Sithole, said.
The meeting presents an opportunity for member states to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation in disaster risk management.
“Zimbabwe is pleased to be hosting the SADC meeting of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management, as it is an important platform that allows member states to share experiences and strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management,” Chief Director of Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Department, Mr Nathan Nkomo, said.
SADC countries continue to experience disasters such as floods, droughts and cyclones, with the meeting expected to further strengthen regional preparedness and coordinated response systems.
Meanwhile, all is set for the official opening of the meeting this Wednesday, which will be attended by ministers responsible for disaster risk management.
