DISASTER response requires strategic planning, budgeting, and coordination among all stakeholders to strengthen urban preparedness in Zimbabwe’s cities, the Director of Local Governance Service in Manicaland John Misi has said.
Speaking at a simulation exercise in Gweru recently, Misi said collaboration between the government, local authorities, and partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision was vital in reinforcing cities preparedness in the event of a disaster.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged local authorities to focus on real service delivery. Today’s simulation exercise in Gweru brings stakeholders together to ensure service providers, communities and their respective local authorities are prepared to take charge in times of disaster,” he said
Misi said feedback from various groups, including resident associations, churches, and government departments, has been invaluable.
“This exercise has provided a platform to assess our readiness and identify areas for improvement. It’s a test of our ability to manage and respond to crises effectively,” Misi said.
Over the years, WFP has built significant expertise in managing complex emergencies, natural disasters, and pandemics. Its commitment to emergency preparedness and response is deeply embedded in its policies and values.
The organisation continues to adapt to the evolving needs of urban areas. To enhance disaster readiness in Zimbabwe’s urban centres, the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) has funded urban preparedness initiatives in 4 urban areas of Bulawayo, Gweru, Epworth and Mutare.
In addition to these local-level preparedness initiatives, the programme also works closely with the National Department of Civil Protection (DCP) structures which are designed to reduce the number of people affected by disasters.
Key milestones of this initiative include:
- Stakeholder Engagement: Hosting national and sub-national workshops on disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
- Updated Disaster Plans: Revising disaster risk response action plans in Gweru, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Epworth.
- Training and Simulations: Organizing urban-specific preparedness training and simulation exercises to strengthen the capacity of national and local actors.
- Innovative Modelling: Developing urban flood and cyclone models to improve early warning systems and operational responses.
- Social Protection Programs: Enhancing social cash transfer programs and piloting integrated social protection management systems for better information sharing.
- Awareness and Visibility: Conducting community-led disaster preparedness initiatives and peer and city learning among local government and urban stakeholders.
Urban centres in Zimbabwe are facing growing vulnerabilities due to rapid urbanisation and protracted crises. Around 55% of urban residents in Southern Africa live in informal settlements characterised by poor living conditions and limited access to essential services and infrastructure.
These challenges highlight the need for innovative tools and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing vulnerability in urban settings.
To address these challenges, WFP’s approach to emergency preparedness incorporates the following elements:
- Early Warning Systems: Leveraging risk assessments and geographic information systems to visualise disaster impact and inform resource allocation.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Facilitating collaboration among humanitarian actors to avoid duplication and streamline response efforts.
- Civil-Military Coordination: Ensuring effective interaction with military forces during humanitarian operations through established UN guidelines.
In addition, urban-specific protocols are being developed and operationalised to enhance preparedness. These include joint design, testing, and adoption of early action and response plans and community-based disaster preparedness training. The collection of vulnerability data, flood modelling through UAVs, and the establishment of warning thresholds further strengthen urban disaster response systems.
By incorporating these measures, WFP and its partners aim to ensure that Zimbabwe’s urban communities are better equipped to manage disasters and reduce their impact on vulnerable populations. The collaboration with DG ECHO underscores the critical need for investments in urban preparedness and resilience, paving the way for safer and more prepared cities.
