Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
THE Government has directed local authorities across the country to immediately activate and strengthen disaster preparedness measures ahead of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon, which could bring prolonged dry spells, erratic rainfall and intensify flood risks during the 2026/2027 agricultural season.
The directive places local authorities at the centre of efforts to minimise the potential impact of the anticipated weather phenomenon, with councils expected to strengthen early warning systems, improve drainage infrastructure and prevent settlements in vulnerable areas.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe issued the directive during an engagement with local authority officials in Victoria Falls, where he emphasised the need for proactive planning rather than waiting for climate-related disasters to occur.
“Government’s anticipation and position is clear that we must prepare, not panic. As local authorities, you are at the frontline of climate response,” he said.
The Meteorological Services Department, working with the Department of Civil Protection and the SADC Climate Services Centre, has projected a high likelihood of El Niño conditions during the 2026/2027 rainfall season.
The anticipated weather pattern could result in normal to below-normal rainfall, prolonged mid-season dry spells, erratic rainfall distribution and high temperatures, increasing the risk of drought and localised flash floods.
Minister Garwe said councils must prioritise interventions that strengthen the resilience of communities and infrastructure against the anticipated climate-related risks.
He specifically directed local authorities to clear storm drains and waterways, enforce proper land-use planning to prevent settlements in wetlands, improve solid waste management and strengthen early warning systems and community awareness programmes.
Victoria Falls, which has wetland-city status, was singled out for particular attention, with the minister urging the local authority to ensure that development activities do not compromise environmentally sensitive areas.
The minister said local authorities, as the first line of defence against climate-induced disasters, had a responsibility to ensure that infrastructure was resilient and emergency response mechanisms were in place to protect lives and property.
The anticipated dry conditions could place additional pressure on water supplies and agricultural production, while poorly maintained drainage systems and settlements in vulnerable areas could increase the impact of flash floods.
Minister Garwe said Government had already developed the National El Niño Anticipatory Action and Mitigation Plan, which all local authorities are expected to align their preparedness and response strategies with.
“I therefore direct that all local authorities, and especially Victoria Falls as a wetland city, activate and strengthen preparedness and response measures.
“Preparedness is cheapest and most effective and no life should be lost due to unpreparedness,” he said.
“This should include clearing storm drains and waterways, enforcing proper land-use to avoid settlements in wetlands, strengthening solid waste management and strengthening early warning and community awareness.”
