NEW: Government seeks to strengthen disaster risk management

Theseus Shambare

The GOVERNMENT is taking steps to bolster its disaster risk management capabilities through the development of a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Bill.

This was revealed by the Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, during an All-Stakeholders Consultative Conference held in Harare on Monday.

Minister Garwe highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters worldwide, including in Zimbabwe like the Elnino-induced drought and Cyclone Idai, as evidence of the urgent need for a robust legislative framework.

“It is imperative that disaster risk governance be comprehensively strengthened by updating and realigning legislative frameworks, policies, strategies plans and institutional arrangements that provide the foundation for disaster risk reduction,” said Minister Garwe.

He emphasised inclusivity in disaster management that the Bill should ensure that all stakeholders, including marginalised groups and persons with disabilities, are involved in decision-making processes.

“The DRM Bill should seek to establish a disaster risk management system that is anticipatory, proactive, inclusive and accountable,” said Minister Garwe.

Robust disaster risk financing mechanisms, he said, must ensure adequate resources are allocated to lower tiers of government that are often most affected by disasters.

The consultative conference, organized by ActionAid Zimbabwe in partnership with the Department of Civil Protection, aims to gather input from various stakeholders to refine the DRM Bill.

He said the government hopes that the new legislation will provide a strong foundation for effective disaster risk reduction and response in Zimbabwe.