20 Nov 2014

According to the seasonal forecast from Meteorological Services, the country is expected to receive good rains during November and December this year.

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Phillip Makgalemele told Parliament that in light of this, there was likelihood of flooding and or storms occurring in certain areas.

He said the ministry, together with the local authorities and relevant stakeholders, were on high alert to respond to any disaster that might occur. Mr Makgalemele said in preparation for such disasters, some initiatives had been put in place as preparedness measures.

Risk and vulnerability assessments had been conducted in areas tprone to flooding and storms such as Nata, Gweta, Artesia, Nxaraga and Dukwi, he said. The communities had identified potential and actual risk areas and possible interventions to reduce the impact of the disaster. 

Basic relief supplies such as tents, generators and sand bags had been prepositioned at national and district level. Moreover, his ministry had procured four airboats and two swamp boats to assist during flooding.  Additionally, delivery of two air boats was expected end of November to augment the existing fleet.

Transport has been mobilised at national and district level by identifying vehicles that can be used during floods from various government departments. Mr Makgalemele said the ministry of presidential affairs also has in place the National Disaster Relief Fund to assist affected households with relief supplies such as food baskets. 

Furthermore, he said the ministry had agreements with the three mobile service providers being Mascom, Orange and beMobile to provide early warning short messages. “These messages are the quickest way to reach communities that might be in danger,” he said.

The assistant minister further said to efficiently respond to requests from the districts, the Ministry has set a target of one (1) day to disburse relief material from the nearest warehouse and for release of relief funds to the affected districts.In case of a disaster occurring, members of the community are advised to contact any of the following offices in their area; Kgosi, Social Worker, Police at 999, Fire brigade at 998, District Commissioner’s Office or toll free number 0800 600 130 during working hours.

Mr Makgalemele further urged MPs to sensitize their respective constituents in disaster preparedness to enhance disaster resilience and safety for all. ENDS