Tanzania endorses six SADC resolutions in region’s preparedness for El Niño-related impacts

JOHANNESBURG: TANZANIA has endorsed six resolutions by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) aimed at strengthening disaster management systems across the region, particularly preparedness for potential El Niño-related impacts.

The position was presented by Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Kaspar Mmuya, on behalf of Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities) Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, during the Seventh Ordinary Meeting of the SADC Committee of Ministers responsible for Disaster Risk Management held virtually in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday.

Mr Mmuya said Tanzania recognised and commended efforts by member states and the SADC Secretariat to prepare for disasters associated with El Niño, including the development of national and regional contingency plans to minimise potential damage. He also highlighted regional preparedness exercises on cyclones and floods conducted in Nacala, Mozambique, through the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Response Team, alongside preparations for the 2026 regional food and nutrition security report.

“Tanzania supports and endorses all six resolutions, from Decision Number One to Number Six, as proposed by the Secretariat,” he said.

He stressed the need for timely information on food and nutrition security, noting that access to adequate, safe and nutritious food was central to disaster management because it protects lives, reduces the impact of emergencies and strengthens community resilience.

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Mr Mmuya also called on the SADC Secretariat and development partners to mobilise financial resources and expertise to strengthen regional preparedness, early action and timely humanitarian assistance. He further emphasised that regional emergency stockpiling arrangements should consider disaster risks, fairness, sustainability, transparency and the strengthening of existing national systems.

He commended the Secretariat for advancing efforts to strengthen the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), including capacity-building for emergency response teams through training, exercises and improved access to equipment. Such measures, he said, were essential to protecting communities and safeguarding economic and social development across the region.