Staff Reporter

In its bid to strengthen national preparedness and response period, Government has approved and prioritised the development of the Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan (MHCP) for 2022-23 rainfall season.

Speaking in a post Cabinet Briefing, Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere stressed that due to the complex natural hazards such as tropical cyclones, droughts and floods, Government has approved and prioritised MHCP 2022-23 plan.

This plan will strengthen national preparedness and response capacity for disaster risk management.

“Cabinet notes that hazardous events have increasingly become more frequent, intense and complex to manage. Natural hazards include tropical cyclones, droughts, floods, hailstorms, lightning, veld fires and strong winds, among others.

“Though natural hazards cannot be prevented from occurring, their effects can be mitigated through early warning systems and effective emergency preparedness, mitigation, disaster response and recovery systems.

“Government has therefore prioritised the development of the Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan for the 2022-2023 Rainfall Season in order to ensure that the population is effectively prepared for disasters so as to reduce the loss of life and property,” said Minister Muswere.

According to Minister Muswere, the objective of the contingency plan is to make Zimbabwe competent enough to survive against every type of disaster and re-establish operations. This plan will help in presenting a fluid system of response to threats and disasters posed upon populations in the marginalised areas of Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, Minister Muswere informed the public that Government through the National Development Strategy 1: 2021-2025, remains committed to prioritising increased investment in Disaster Risk Management Systems, including early warning systems and contingency planning.