Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has intensified calls for stronger disaster preparedness and flood mitigation measures as ministers and senior officials continue deliberations at the Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology in Bulawayo.
The issue dominated discussions on the second day of the regional gathering amid growing concern over the impact of natural disasters on livelihoods, infrastructure and agricultural production across Southern Africa.
Delegates stressed the need for coordinated regional action to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate-related disasters, particularly flooding, which continues to affect communities across the region.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Simon Masanga said significant progress had been made in implementing resolutions adopted at the previous ministerial meeting.
“We have 24 decisions that were taken by ministers during the last meeting, and 21 decisions have been implemented so far.”
Mr Masanga said meteorology remains a critical area of focus, given its role in supporting key sectors of the economy, including aviation.
“Aviation has become a very big industry, and it relies on the information provided by the meteorological department, and disasters caused by flooding have become a cause for concern, hence the urgent need for us to address it.”
The five-day meeting is bringing together ministers and senior officials from across the region to review progress, strengthen policy coordination and advance regional cooperation in the transport, ICT, information and meteorology sectors.
Discussions are expected to contribute to enhanced regional preparedness and more effective responses to climate-related risks facing SADC member states.
