By Chengeto Chidi
Through the Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan Government has geared up for response to hazards as the 2022-2023 Rainfall Season has already begun.
Cabinet approved the Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan for the 2022-2023 Rainfall Season, proposed by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo.
Speaking at the post Cabinet press briefing held in Harare yesterday Acting Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said there was need for the contingency plan to reduce deaths
“Government has therefore prioritised the development of the Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan for the 2022-2023 Rainfall Season in order to ensure that the population is effectively prepared for disasters so as to reduce the loss of life and property,” he said.
This comes after some communities are still suffering from post-disaster trauma from Cyclone Idai and the national and regional early warning systems are monitoring and advising all end users to be active and ensure readiness for all hazards associated with the rainy season to impact expenditure management, reduce post-disaster trauma and result in early recovery and re-growth.
Cabinet noted that hazardous events have increasingly become more frequent, intense and complex to manage. Natural hazards include tropical cyclones, droughts, floods, hailstorms, lightning, veld fires and strong winds, among others.
He said there are ways to reduce the effects of these hazards since the hazards themselves cannot be prevented
“Though natural hazards cannot be prevented from occurring, their effects can be mitigated through early warning systems and effective emergency preparedness, mitigation, disaster response and recovery systems,” the Minister said.
The plan seeks to ensure a coordinated approach to preparedness in case these hazards occur
“The Contingency Plan articulates the measures Government with the support of partners, will take to prevent or reduce any potential adverse impacts emanating from natural and man-made disasters. It seeks to promote a coordinated approach to preparedness and response before, during and after emergencies,” Muswere said.
The Plan will strengthen national preparedness and response capacity for disaster risk management. It was therefore informed by a multi-sectoral and broad-based collaborative approach, which ensures the full participation and involvement of all stakeholders, especially the affected communities.
The hazard models, which have become more accurate show that urban and rural areas are equally affected by climatic hazards.
The heavy rains experienced in the 2020/2021 season left most roads impassable, resulting in the declaration of a State of Disaster on roads throughout the country in February, 2021. The resultant establishment of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme to provide the basis for mobilizing required resources has seen a marked reduction in the backlog of road rehabilitation.
The government is committed to prioritizing in investment in Disaster Risk Management Systems, including early warning systems and contingency planning.