Gauteng not equipped to deal with disaster

The Gauteng Province and South Africa are ill-equipped to deal with any form of disasters that could occur, and the government needs to invest money where it matters.

This was the conclusion that various departments came to at the Disaster Management Institute of South Africa (DMISA) conference held over two days (September 19 and 20) at the Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre.

The conference, which was co-hosted with the metro, saw delegates from various departments including the South African National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), SA Weather Service and the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre, identifying where the problem lies as well as providing solutions to solve these problems.

Three main causes of disasters included floods, droughts and fires.

Another contributing factor that was identified is the rapid increase of urbanisation that resulted in informal settlements being erected in areas that are not ideal for people to settle.

This raises the concern of the risks related to lives and property.

The national minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zweli Mkhize, said responsibility should be shared between stakeholders, the private cooperation, municipalities, and local government when it comes to disaster management.

He said all entities need to have a better understanding of the risk at hand and take into consideration factors and scenarios that could occur and provide cost-effective measures to alleviate the problem.

“Do we know what needs to be done and how?” he asked.

“How much do we know about the risks and vulnerabilities involved, and do we have a plan of action?”

The minister said the government needed to invest in mobilising resources in a more proactive manner.

Mkhize said it needs to focus its efforts on risk reduction management including humans.

“We should not wait until disaster strikes before we educate people,” he said.

Apart from being prepared for disasters that may occur in our country, the minister said South Africa also needs to be ready to respond and assist should a disaster occur in neighbouring countries that may affect our country.

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The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Gauteng Province, Dikgang Moiloa made reference to the burning of the building in Johannesburg where three firefighters lost their lives.

“We should recognise the importance of the role played by firefighters,” he said.

“We need to always be aware of the safety of those whose jobs are to save others.”

                                              Seen here is the national minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zweli Mkhize.

Moiloa said this particular incident highlighted the weaknesses of the disaster management services in Gauteng.

According to Moiloa, South Africa is bound by international protocols when it comes to disaster management.

Apart from assistance from other municipalities, Moiloa suggested that the defence force and other departments should also be involved where necessary.

When it comes to the accidents on roads, Moiloa said because of traffic congestion on our roads, drivers grow impatient on the road resulting in accidents.

He said over 8 000 deaths were due to people who were involved in accidents.

“We need to re-evaluate how quick we respond to the needs of the people in this country,” said Moiloa.

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