Parliament Holds Disaster Risk Management Workshop

Rutendo Mazhindu – Zim Now Reporter

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavunga, on Monday officiated a Disaster Risk Management Workshop for the Parliament of Zimbabwe held in Mt Hampden.

The two-day workshop, organised by the Department of Civil Protection in collaboration with development partners, seeks to craft a DRM plan tailored specifically for Parliament. The goal is to strengthen the institution's capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

In his address, Mavunga emphasised the need to take disaster risk seriously at the highest levels of leadership in order to safeguard national development.

“If disaster risk is not prioritised at the highest level, all our efforts will be undermined, as disasters can divert development resources towards humanitarian assistance,” he said.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment—through the Cabinet Committee on Environment, Disaster Prevention and Management—to bolstering national emergency preparedness. He also noted that climate change continues to increase both the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, underlining the need for stronger preparedness and recovery strategies.

Mavunga highlighted the importance of data-driven planning based on physical, social, and environmental assessments, and called for inclusivity in the DRM process.

“Safety and well-being depend on effective planning and response to potential emergencies,” he said.
“With your expertise and collaboration, we can develop robust and effective strategies that will make the new Parliament more resilient to potential disasters.”

Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda said the workshop forms part of Parliament’s quality management systems and aims to boost institutional readiness for unforeseen events. He underscored the significance of protecting the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, describing it as a critical national asset that requires a comprehensive DRM plan.