Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Bulawayo Provincial Civil Protection Committee has identified potential hazards that could threaten the city during the upcoming rainy season, as authorities review their disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
The committee, chaired by Bulawayo Local Government director Mr Tapiwa Zivoivoi, is holding a robust and informative disaster risk management review and planning workshop at Mhlahlandlela Government Offices to assess potential threats and strengthen the city’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
The workshop seeks to identify and prioritise high-risk areas, assess existing mitigation measures and evaluate the city’s preparedness to respond effectively should disasters occur.
The discussions come amid concerns over the possibility of a super El Niño weather phenomenon, which could worsen dry conditions and heighten the risk of water shortages and other weather-related hazards.
The nine potential hazards identified for assessment include drought and water scarcity, veld fires, road traffic accidents, flash floods, infectious disease outbreaks, hailstorms, land degradation caused by unconventional mining methods, and drug and substance abuse.
Veld fires, particularly during the May to June period, have also been highlighted as a potential risk requiring attention with Bulawayo chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo telling the committee that since January this year 640 fire incidents have been attended to.
The identified hazards are expected to undergo further assessment and prioritisation according to their respective risk levels, allowing authorities to focus resources on areas requiring urgent intervention.
The review is aimed at strengthening coordination among stakeholders, improving disaster mitigation strategies and enhancing the city’s preparedness to protect lives, property and livelihoods during the upcoming season.
