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The Province of KwaZulu-Natal has taken a bold step in fortifying its defences against natural disasters, with the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) signing a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The partnership ushers in a comprehensive, multi-year disaster management enhancement programme that will channel funding, technical expertise, and infrastructure upgrades to municipalities across the province.
The agreement was sealed in Durban by the KZN MEC for COGTA and DBSA Group Executive for Infrastructure Delivery, Mr Chuene Ramphele.
Describing the initiative as “a game-changer,” the MEC said the partnership merges the department’s local knowledge and legislative mandate with the DBSA’s financial and technical muscle.
“Together, we are building a robust shield of preparedness and resilience for the people of KwaZulu-Natal, ensuring our response to climate shocks is swift, effective, and sustainable,” she said.
Ramphele echoed this vision, emphasising DBSA’s role in supporting climate-resilient infrastructure.
“This is a direct investment in the safety and economic stability of the province. With KZN COGTA, we are creating a model of disaster resilience that could be replicated across the continent,” he noted.
The agreement outlines several critical focus areas:
- Advanced Technology: Upgrading the CSIR CMORE disaster data system and integrating GIS platforms to allow real-time tracking and coordination across agencies.
- Infrastructure Planning: Reviewing municipal stormwater management systems and introducing sustainable drainage solutions to reduce flood risks.
- Technical Support: Deploying experts to assist municipalities with post-disaster recovery, while providing oversight of projects funded through Municipal Disaster Grants.
- Capacity Building: Expanding training for Disaster Management, Fire, and Rescue teams, alongside supporting Amakhosi and community leaders. The programme will also fund critical emergency equipment, including snow rescue tools.
- Command Centres: Modernising and refurbishing District Disaster Management Centres into fully equipped, high-tech hubs for emergency operations.
The MOA signals a new era of collaborative governance and proactive disaster readiness in a province often hardest hit by storms, floods, and other climate-related crises.
