co-ordinated way
22 November 2007
The Gauteng Provincial Government will from now on be in a better position
to tackle catastrophic incidents in a co-ordinated and integrated way, thanks
to the establishment of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the
Emergency Medical Control Centre.
The R50 million state of the art Provincial Disaster Management Centre and
the Emergency Medical Control Centre situated in Midrand were officially
launched by Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, Gauteng Local Government MEC
Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu and Health MEC Brian Hlongwa on Wednesday, 21 November
2007.
Speaking at the glittering ceremony at the continuity South Africa Building
where the centre is located, Shilowa said the new high-tech centre will go a
long way in reducing disasters from happening and to ensure that many lives are
saved through better co-ordination and communication. The centre will also play
a role in preparation for the 2010 Federation International Football
Association (Fifa) World Cup.
"Gauteng can only become a (true) global competitive city region if it is
able to warn communities of dangers and be able to respond adequately to any
disasters or medical related issues on time."
"(Dealing with disaster) is not about putting up a massive centre, but it is
all about how the centre responds effectively to the challenges as and when
they happen. This is the beginning of a long journey to say that we are indeed
a province ready to respond to any challenges that come our way. I am confident
that these centres will play a key role in the day-to-day running of disaster
management and also during the forthcoming 2010 soccer World Cup," said
Shilowa.
Mahlangu said the centre would play an important role in co-ordinating key
projects such as the forthcoming 2010 World Cup and the Gautrain Project.
"Through this centre, we will co-ordinate 2010 activities in line with our
mandate as well as mobilising additional resources from municipalities in the
province as and when required. It is also important that the private sector is
partnering with us.
"The centre must be able to respond adequately as and when disaster strikes
to ensure that we do not lose the lives of our people in Gauteng. It will also
play a crucial role in saving many lives particular in informal settlements
during shack fires, flooding and heavy rains. The fact that we are doing this
in partnership with stakeholders like IBM, Dimension Data, Africon and the
Department of Health indicates that indeed Gauteng is fast becoming a globally
competitive city region," said Mahlangu.
The launch of the centres followed an intensive work process with the
development of the disaster management framework and provincial disaster
management framework as well as the implementation of Disaster Management Act
of 2004 which requires provinces and municipalities to ensure that the various
communities in South Africa are adequately protected at all times.
Hlongwa said better co-ordination and integration would lead to the
reduction of response time of emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire
engines.
"Even though the two centres are meant to respond effectively during
disasters, I would personally want them to function in a manner that prevents
all disasters from happening."
"Our mandate is to build a healthy Gauteng and we do not take pride in
seeing people queuing in hospitals and clinics (due to accidents and
disasters). I hope these centres will save many lives that could be lost to
various forms of disasters and drastically to reduce the response times of
emergency vehicles as and when they respond to incidents," said Hlongwa.
Dimension Data Managing Director Jason Goodall said the establishment of the
Disaster Management Centre and the Emergency Medical Control Centre was an
indication of ensuring that the goal of the pursuance of Gauteng as a globally
competitive city region was achieved.
"The 9,5 million residents of Gauteng are significantly safer as a result of
the capabilities deployed and the integrated and co-ordinated fashion that the
province is now able to deal with all disaster and emergency related issues,"
said Goodall.
Continuity South African Chief Executive Officer Allen G Smith said his
company was delighted in partnering with the government.
"Historically there has been little interaction between the two disciplines
of disaster management and business continuity. The establishment of this
facility at Continuity South Africa is therefore a huge step forward in
enabling Gauteng to provide a world class service to its citizens and
businesses during catastrophe in a co-ordinated manner," Smith said.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
22 November 2007
Source: SAPA
