Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe in Victoria Falls
VICE PRESIDENT Dr Chiwenga is billed to officially open the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) here in Victoria Falls today.
Dr Chiwenga has since arrived at the venue.
He was received by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe and several service chiefs.
On a lighter note, Dr Chiwenga displayed his dancing skills as he joined the traditional dance group that was entertaining dignitaries.
The meeting is set to tackle several disaster issues affecting the bloc.
The conference has drawn participants from all member states, including donor community representatives.
The gathering will, among other key issues, spotlight its regional disaster management activities and programs aimed at enhancing preparedness.
Added to that is the progress on the US$5.5 billion Regional Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance during the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management (DRM).
Discussions will also focus on the operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) and review advancements made towards implementing the Regional Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance.
Ministers will further consider an Addendum to the Regional Appeal that has been prepared following the finalisation of vulnerability assessments by additional Member States that had not finalised their assessments at the time the Appeal was launched in May 2024.
The meeting of the Committee of SADC Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management was preceded by the meeting of the SADC Senior Officials responsible for Disaster Risk Management on Monday and Tuesday.
In recent decades, the SADC Region has experienced more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and cyclones linked to climate change, leading to food insecurity and significant socio-economic impacts.
In 2020, Cyclone Idai, recorded as one of the worst tropical storms to ever affect Africa and the southern hemisphere, claimed hundreds of lives and left a trail of destruction, including severe damage to key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and health facilities.
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