By Ziyah News Reporter
Cabinet has officially approved the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Disaster Risk Management (ICT4DRM) initiative to address the growing challenges posed by various natural and climate-induced hazards, including floods, droughts, cyclones, and disease outbreaks, which have severely impacted Zimbabwe in recent years.
The landmark decision was made during the twenty-eighth cabinet and announced in the post-cabinet press briefing yesterday.
Recent weather induced disasters including Cyclone Idai, the ElNino Induced drought and the COVID-19 pandemic to mention just a few, have birthed the urgent need for an effective disaster management strategy in the country.
The government’s ICT4DRM initiative is a proactive response to these crises, seeking to leverage modern information technology to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience.
“Information technology is advancing rapidly, allowing us to map space, identify, and analyze data before, during, and after a disaster with unprecedented detail in real time,” stated Professor Murwira during the briefing.
The initiative aligns with various regional and international conventions that Zimbabwe is party to, emphasizing the necessity of integrating ICT in disaster risk management, which aims to position Zimbabwe as a leader in utilizing technology for enhanced disaster resilience.
The Cabinet’s approval of the ICT for Disaster Risk Management initiative marks a significant step towards a more resilient Zimbabwe, as the government hopes to mitigate the impacts of future disasters, safeguard communities, and foster a culture of preparedness and resilience among its citizens.