Tanzania affirms commitment  to serve as a SADC’s hub for disaster preparedness

MAPUTO: THE Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its plans to continue positioning Tanzania to become a regional research hub for disaster preparedness and response in Southern and East Africa as part of efforts to strengthen early warning systems, rescue operations and disaster risk reduction.

The Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Jim Yonazi, reaffirmed this during a Tanzania-Mozambique experience-sharing visit on disaster preparedness currently taking place in Maputo.

ALSO READ: Tanzania intensifies measures against Ebola threat now affecting its neighbours

During the discussion, Dr Yonazi said Tanzania has continued enhancing its disaster management capacity through investment in research, modern technologies, digital systems and artificial intelligence (AI), positioning the country as a centre of learning for other nations seeking effective disaster management strategies.

According to the permanent secretary, the government has also prioritised strengthening scientific and ICT systems to ensure timely dissemination of early warning information and enable relevant authorities to take preventive measures before disasters occur.

He added that Tanzania is already collaborating with higher learning institutions and local research organisations to conduct studies and develop national disaster preparedness and response systems.