Western Cape winter preparedness briefing: Failing to plan is planning to fail
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today shared the Provincial Winter Preparedness Plan during a briefing at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.
“At the heart of this matter is the fact that disasters happen, and it is almost always unexpected. But that does not mean we do not have an obligation to prepare response plans and be ready when the unexpected happens”, Bredell said.
Bredell said the recent flooding disaster in KZN is a wake-up call for everyone that great tragedy can struck at any time. “We cannot control nature, but we can decide on how we will respond when these events do happen. Almost all the hard work of our Disaster management Centre (PDMC), a division of the Department of Local Government, happens out of sight. Planning, budgeting, training, and more training, takes up most of their time. It only becomes visible when an actual disaster is being addressed.”
Bredell said the PDMC team had a very busy summer with several wildfires being managed. Now we are looking to the winter that lies ahead. The following major risks have been identified going into the winter months:
- Heavy rains and flooding.
- Low temperatures.
- Informal settlement fires.
- Electricity constraints.
- Mudslides associated with continuous wet weather.
To address these risks, several proactive steps have already been taken. These include:
- An agreement with the South African Defence Force to use helicopters for rescue operations.
- Mutual aid agreements with coastal provinces as well as local and district municipalities.
- Open communication channels and regular updates between the WCDMC and the South African Weather Service regarding early weather forecasts, as well as with the Department of Water Affairs for the monitoring of dam levels and river flows.
- Contingencies have been developed for the possibility of severe power shortages.
- Clearing of rivers, bridges, drains, ponds and canals.
- Awareness raising of low-lying informal settlements on flood risk.
- Clearing and maintenance of stormwater systems.
- A smoke alarm project is being rolled out in informal settlements throughout the province.
The WCDMC, together with Municipal Disaster Management Centres (MDMCs), remain on high alert to prevent and mitigate disasters but also to effectively respond to disasters/incidents threatening to occur.
The public is urged to contact the emergency services (112) in the event of any disaster or situation where people may need help. This is a tollfree number and can be used from any cell phone.
Contact:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Cell: 079 694 3085
E-mail: Wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za
