dyton mupawaenda
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
THE Government has welcomed Parliament’s initiative to craft a disaster management plan for the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
Officially opening a two-day workshop to craft the plan this week, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Albert Mavunga said the initiative showed Parliament’s commitment to safeguarding infrastructure.
“It is a privilege to stand before you today as we gather to craft a disaster management plan for this new Parliament Building. This initiative represents a significant milestone in our commitment to safeguarding our infrastructure as well as public and environmental health and safety in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mavunga said the envisaged disaster and risk management plan should also consider various factors around the building and its uses.
“Effective planning must be built around comprehensive, ongoing assessment of physical, social and environmental characteristics, including the activities that are carried out at this Parliament building, size and geographic location of the Parliament Building, the number and types of buildings and facilities, among others. The planning process must take into account a wide range of possible threats and hazards that may impact the Parliament Building and its environment.
“Comprehensive emergency operational plan considers all threats and hazards throughout the planning process, addressing safety needs before, during and after an incident. It must therefore account for incidents that might occur an hour of the day or night. This plan, which we endeavour to develop, delineates the capabilities, responsibilities and authorities of various government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the private sector, in planning for, preventing and responding to any emergencies at this building.
“Importantly, it does not alter the existing mandates of these agencies. Rather, it enhances our collaborative efforts by assigning specific responsibilities for coordination. (8:13) It is therefore critical to note that each agency has a crucial role to play, whether acting under its statutory authority or responding to requests for assistance from others,” he added.
The deputy minister added that in the spirit of leaving no one behind, the planning process should provide for the access and functional needs of everyone, including those with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
He challenged Parliament to ensure that the planning process must meet the requirements of all applicable national frameworks, laws, by-laws, including requirements for emergency response and evacuation, as well as ensuring timely warnings and emergency alerts.
Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, said it was important to come up with a disaster risk management plan for the safety of MPs, staffers, visitors and the new Parliament building.
It is important that we come up with a plan on how to respond in case of emergencies. As you know, the new Parliament is a mammoth structure so we have to preserve it including the safety of those who work here, he said.
Mr Chokuda said approximately 1 200 people will be in the building when Parliament is in session, necessitating the need for safety measures.
Online Reporter