Manicaland on high alert

 

Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter

GOVERNMENT has mobilised the Department of Civil Protection teams to be on high alert for rapid responses to an eventualities during the festive season.

Zimbabweans are bracing for a lengthy weekend, spanning National Unity Day today (Friday), Christmas and Boxing days next week Monday and Tuesday respectively.

The festive season stretches up to New Year, with public activity — especially travelling — expected to increase over that period.

Speaking during a Manicaland provincial Civil Protection Committee meeting in Mutare early this week, acting Manicaland Provincial Director (Local Government Services and Administration), Mr John Misi, said the province is proactive and has already activated all its systems to prevent potential disasters.

“The festive season is already here and brings with it risks of potential disasters like road traffic accidents, veld fires, mining accidents as well as flooding and drowning, among others, owing to the activities during that period.

“Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ Department of Civil Protection, has put together and activated response teams to manage situations in cases of eventualities.

“The festive season response teams comprise civil protection committees made up of Government ministries, departments and agencies as well as other stakeholders and partners whose mandate is to provide coordinated interventions and effective responses. When duty calls, we have to be prepared to respond and serve,” said Mr Misi.

He said the response teams and plans put in place are designed to leave no one and no place behind.

He added: “We are taking an all-encompassing approach from prevention to intervention that involves the relevant arms of Government and other players.

“These are all capacitated and well equipped to render the required response and assistance under any circumstances from the Local Government and Public Works, Health and Child Care, Transport and Infrastructural Development, Primary and Secondary Education ministries to police, media, local authorities, Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED),Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), and police sub-aqua unit, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe, Forestry Commission, Department of Immigration and International Organisation for Immigration.”

Mr Misi said as people are likely to gather for festivities during the public holidays, they must uphold high hygienic standards to prevent cholera outbreaks and subsequent spread of the disease.

He urged the public to report any suspected cases of cholera in their communities to their nearest health centres.

For the purposes of sharing important information and alerting authorities of any hazards, the Civil Protection Committee will facilitate a smooth communication system, Mr Misi said.

“Effective disaster preparedness and management begins with good communication and information sharing. As such, we are establishing a provincial command centre where we will have a toll-free line for the public to call in to raise alarm and get quick responses.

“The public is also being urged to report any cases of potential hazard to the local leadership or police in their communities throughout the province. All the seven offices of the District Development Coordinators will be readily available to render assistance wherever and whenever required,” said Mr Misi.

He urged members of the public to prioritise their own and others’ safety by being cautious throughout the festive season.