SADC Commits to Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies

By Shingirai Vambe

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction strategies in the face of escalating disasters caused by climate change and human activity.

Speaking at the 5th Ordinary Meeting of the SADC Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management, Vice President Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga emphasized the need for collaboration among member states to enhance disaster risk reduction in the region.

“The recurrences of natural disasters in the region, at accelerated frequency, require vigilance and pro-activeness, instead of only reacting when disaster occurs,” Chiwenga said.

Chiwenga noted that the region has experienced significant losses due to disasters, with the combined impacts of disasters over the past few years amounting to billions of dollars in damages and losses.

He urged member states to strengthen their disaster early warning systems, proper coordination, and capacitation of structures for effective disaster risk management.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who is also the chairperson of the committee, emphasized the need for SADC ministers to harness national and regional efforts in managing disasters and continue to improve disaster risk reduction capacity and raise awareness of risks.

Garwe noted that Zimbabwe has made significant interventions to respond to food shortages caused by the El Niño-induced drought, including blitz food distribution programs, drilling of boreholes, and establishment of village business units.

The meeting was convened to review progress on the implementation of SADC programs and activities aimed at strengthening the region’s preparedness to disaster risks.

SADC has developed a Regional Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan for the 2024/25 season, highlighting the region’s state of preparedness, gaps, and challenges in implementing coordinated and effective disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response.

The plan aims to enhance disaster risk reduction capacity, raise awareness of risks, and strengthen preparedness among member states.

As the region continues to experience the impacts of climate change, the commitment by SADC ministers to strengthen disaster risk reduction strategies is a critical step towards building resilience and promoting sustainable development in the region