Question NW516 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
20 March 2024 - NW516
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
With reference to her reply to question 3220 on 20 November 2023, and given that we are witnessing increased disaster patterns due to global warming and other acts of nature, what steps will her department take to increase the (a) human resources capacity and (b) financial support to municipalities in those provinces that do not currently have the capacity to render urban search and rescue services?
Reply:
a) Human resources capacity:
Since the 2023/2024 Financial Year, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Fire Services Directorate have been performing annual capacity assessments within Provinces, in particular where little or no capacity exists, to determine the level of support required.
The purpose of the capacity assessments is in an effort to develop a sustained urban search and rescue capability across the country. The assessments assist the NDMC Fire Services to ascertain the necessary human resource capacity and skills and infrastructure required within a particular Province to reduce the level of risk of structural collapses, and water related risks to the community.
b) Financial support to municipalities:
The NDMC is responsible for the establishment as well as development of a Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capacity through governmental and regulatory frameworks.
Therefore, in the 2024/2025 Financial Year, the NDMC have made budgetary provision for training and development programmes within the assessed Provinces, in order to strengthen USAR capabilities within each province, district, and local municipality in an effort to ensure that they are equipped, and ready to respond to urban search and rescue incidents at various capacities.
End.