21 Jul 2024

Disaster risk management trainings are critical to supporting SADC’s readiness, responsiveness and proactiveness to emergencies when they arise in the region, Minister for State President acting deputy permanent secretary, Mr Moagi Baleseng has said.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for State President at the end of a two-week disaster risk management strengthening induction course, Mr Baleseng said the trainings were crucial in capacitating and providing member states, various taskforces and national disaster management offices with skills sets required to manage emergencies in real time. 

Southern African region, he said had major humanitarian challenges as it was prone to disasters such as cyclones, floods, droughts, epidemics, desertification and wildfires among others.

“In fact, we are in the middle of an El-Nino phenomenon and as SADC we have submitted an appeal to international partners to assist,” he added.

Mr Baleseng further stressed the need for SADC member states to harmonise their work, liaise with one another on day-to-day basis and work as one so as to achieve more.

He said the establishment and creation of SADC emergency response team would help lessen and ensure an effective and operational emergency management system for the region thus reducing the disruption caused by disasters and save lives.Botswana, he said would take steps to reduce impacts caused by natural hazards noting that his office would engage SADC, Resident Coordinator’s office, United Nations Office of Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund and other international partners on the issue of disaster preparedness in an effort to protect lives and livelihoods of Batswana.

“Botswana will continue to support both SADC, the African Union and the United Nations in their ultimate goal of making the region and the globe a safer and hospitable place. Let us be proactive to save lives and the infrastructure that we have spent billions of dollars to build,” he added.

Mr Baleseng also congratulated 32 participants for completing the course saying it was a badge of honour to wear with pride for the rest of their lives.

He urged them to adhere to principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality, non-discrimination while taking into account the needs of the affected population.

United Nations Resident Coordinator for Botswana, Mr Zia Choudhury thanked all stakeholders for making the course a reality as well as the European Union for providing funding through SADC and government of Botswana for co-financing the training.

Coordination and collaboration, he said was key in humanitarian and appreciated stakeholders for demonstrating a strong partnership citing that the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was a result of their efforts and commitment as SADC member states to support one another during crisis.

“This is the first cohort, which is well equipped and ready to be deployed. Although it takes a lot to coordinate disaster response and when you go out, I encourage you to be sympathetic, emphatic and make a difference,” he added. ENDS