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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
CALLS have been made for local authorities in Chipinge District to allocate a big chunk of their budgets in future towards emergency preparedness and management programmes.
The Chipinge Civil Protection Unit committee is the latest to add its voice to the growing chorus after airing similar sentiments during a preparatory meeting for the 2021 rain season it organised in partnership with development partner, Christian Aid.
Speaking on behalf of Chipinge District Development Coordinator Mr William Mashava, his assistant Mr Tedious Beto said council should seriously consider reviewing their disaster preparedness budget in order to enable them to assist people in cases of emergency and save lives.
Mr Beto implored stakeholders to be always on high alert in the event that the hazards occur.
He called on the local authorities to fully participate in and contribute to disaster risk reduction and management programmes.
“We call upon Chipinge rural district and town councils to seriously consider allocating a big chunk of their budgets in future towards emergency preparedness. They should move away from allocating paltry amounts towards emergencies because local communities need to be educated and sensitised about natural disasters which may occur in the district,” said Mr Beto.
He added: “Having enough funds for emergencies will enable swift responses to emergencies across the district. It is important for the local stakeholders to be well resourced so that they respond with positive action and not overly rely on Government.”
Stakeholders attending the meeting also raised concern over the dilapidated state of infrastructure at several school across the district which they said poses potential hazard to learners.
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