22 November 2007
The Mpumalanga Department of Local Government and Housing has expressed
confidence on structures, capacity and personnel put in place to deal with
disasters. This emerged at a Capacity Building Workshop on Early Warning
Systems on Severe Weather held in Nelspruit. The gathering was attended by
members of the recently established Provincial Disaster Advisory Management
Forum and interested stakeholders. The forum which was unveiled last month is
to advise the province on disasters.
Department's Chief Director for Local Government, Sam Ngubane commended the
pace in which the province is moving in dealing with life threatening
incidents. He said there are contingency plans in place to counter disasters
like floods, fires, heavy rains and cyclones amongst others. Referring to the
recent fires in the province, Ngubane confirmed that the department is
implementing recommendations by the fire investigations following the inferno.
"All municipalities must build Disaster Management Centres, Contingency Plans,
have enough personnel, resources, and proper structures" related Ngubane.
The workshop also heard that communities and role players need to fully
understand weather issues and how it affects their economy and standard of
living. South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecaster, Mnikekli Ndabambi
appealed for co-operative working relations amongst stakeholders. "It is
pleasing to see the way in which the province sees the urgency in dealing with
disasters," said Ndabambi. The SAWS is to have a fully operational office at
the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport by January 2008.
Contacts:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by: Department of Local Government and Housing, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
22 November 2007
