At the launch of the new high-technology Provincial Disaster and Emergency Medical Control Centre, Premier Mbhazima Shilowa said the centre will go a long way in reducing disasters from happening.
"Gauteng can only become a global competitive city region if it is able to warn communities of dangers and be able to respond adequately to any disasters or medical related issues on time.
Dealing with disaster is not about putting up a massive centre, but it is all about how the centre responds effectively to the challenges as and when they happen, Shilowa said.
"This is the beginning of a long journey to say that we are indeed a province ready to respond to any challenges that come our way.
"I am confident that these centres will play a key role in the day-to-day running of disaster management and also during the forthcoming 2010 soccer World Cup."
Local Government MEC Qedani Mahlangu said: "Through this centre, we will co-ordinate 2010 activities in line with our mandate as well as mobilising additional resources from municipalities in the province as and when required. It is also important that the private sector is partnering with us."
"The centre must be able to respond adequately as and when disaster strikes to ensure that we do not lose the lives of our people in Gauteng.
MEC Mahlangu stated that the fact that they are doing this in partnership with stakeholders like IBM, Dimension Data, Africon and the Department of Health indicates that indeed Gauteng is fast becoming a globally competitive city region.
The launch of the centres followed an intensive work process with the development of the disaster management and the provincial disaster management framework as well as the implementation of Disaster Management Act of 2004.
This is an act which requires provinces and municipalities to ensure that the various communities in South Africa are adequately protected at all times.
Health MEC Brian Hlongwa said the better coordination and integration would lead to the reduction of response time of emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines.
"Even though the two centres are meant to respond effectively during disasters, I would personally want them to function in a manner that prevents all disasters from happening.
"Our mandate is to build a healthy Gauteng, and we do not take pride in seeing people queuing in hospitals and clinics (due to accidents and disasters). I hope these centres will save many lives that could be lost to various forms of disasters and drastically reduce the response times of emergency vehicles as and when they respond to incidents," said Hlongwa.
Dimension Data Managing Director Jason Goodall said the establishment of the Disaster Management Centre and the Emergency Medical Control Centre was an indication of ensuring that the goal of the pursuance of Gauteng as a globally competitive city region was achieved.
"The 9.5 million residents of Gauteng are significantly safer as a result of the capabilities deployed and the integrated and co-ordinated fashion that the province is now able to deal with all disaster and emergency related issues," said Goodall.
Source: buanews.gov.za
Presentation for Seminar
