Entire Document - Chris Hani District Municipality

2.4.4.7 International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)
We are continuing with the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) that is an initiative of UNESCO aimed
at reducing the risk of disasters. The Department of Education is allowing schools to participate in the programme
although not supporting it financially.
We have managed to get the Department of Health on board and participating in the programme utilising hospital staff
because the theme for 2008-2010 is “Hospitals safe from Disasters.” The DoH also contributed to the programme
financially and their contribution was used to procure promotional material.
This programme is drawing people from all walks of life to come and see their children performing and educating
them about disasters through drama, visual art and choral music.
We have seen this programme attracting other district municipalities to join us. We had Motheo District Municipality
from Free State, which came with its choirs and groups of drama and visual art.
This programme starts at local municipality level and the winners compete at district level. All schools in this district
have consistently participated since we started with the programme.
2.4.4.7 BACKLOG OF RECONSTRUCTION
In an attempt to provide shelter to the homeless and destitute families the Emergency Housing Section of the
Department of Housing initiated a programme of providing temporary shelters. This is continuing although it is going
with a snail’s pace.
2.4.4.8 BUDGET
ALLOCATION UTILISATION AMOUNT
Province
Operational Budget
Relief
R 576 000
R 414 000
TOTAL ALLOCATION FULLY SPENT R 990 000
Chris Hani DM
Standby Generator
Response Vehicle
Scientific Risk Assessment
Policy Framework
R 366 437
R 392 000
R 490 000
R 500 000
TOTAL BUDGET R 1 748 437
2.4.4.9 CONCLUSION
Despite the challenges still facing us in terms of resources we are doing well through the assistance by the province
and the District Municipality. There needs to be a dedicated fund allocated to Disaster Management if we want it to
fulfil its constitutional mandate. The equipment we need to function optimally is very expensive and without it we will
never do justice to performing our function. An ideal communication system alone will cost millions of rands to install.
It is also critically important that the roles of all municipal categories are spelt out. If we are serious when we say
“disaster management is everyone’s responsibility” we should clearly define everyone’s roles. That will ease the
tensions we always have with our local municipalities.
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