By: Mpho Shelile
MASERU- Southern Africa faces a myriad of challenges, ranging from natural disasters to economic instability, and Lesotho is no exception. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to their dense populations and critical infrastructure.
In response to these challenges, the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) held a two-day workshop to launch Phase II of the Regional Urban Preparedness (RUP II) project in Maseru.
During the presentations, stakeholders had the opportunity to reflect on the successes of Phase I of the Urban Preparedness Initiative. This phase laid a solid foundation by focusing on the most vulnerable groups in urban areas. A key aspect of this success was the invaluable contribution of women in Botha-Bothe, particularly the group known as ‘Bo Mme ba Baitšokoli.’ These women played a crucial role in reaching out to and supporting vulnerable populations, ensuring that the initiatives were inclusive and effective.
In her remarks, DMA District Disaster Manager Mrs. ‘Mamonyaku Koloti acknowledges the involvement of ‘Bo Mme ba Baits’okoli’ in the first phase, stating that their initiative underscores the importance of women’s leadership in community resilience efforts. Their grassroots approach not only provided immediate assistance but also empowered other women to take active roles in their communities. This empowerment is a cornerstone of Phase II, which aims to build on this momentum by expanding the reach and scope of the initiative.
Mrs. Koloti further states that with urban areas being prone to natural disasters such as floods and droughts, Phase II will focus on strengthening early warning systems and disaster response strategies. This will involve training community members in disaster preparedness and response.
She then proceeded by stating that economic instability poses a significant threat to urban communities. Phase II aims to support small businesses and informal sector workers, many of whom are women. By providing training, resources, and financial support, the initiative seeks to create more resilient local economies.
Women will continue to play a pivotal role in Phase II, with a focus on expanding their involvement and leadership. The success of ‘Bo Mme ba Baits’okoli’ in Phase I demonstrated the impact of women’s participation in community resilience efforts. Phase II aims to replicate this success across other urban areas in Lesotho.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DMA, Mr. Reatile Elias, in his speech highlights the critical need for this initiative, emphasizing that urban areas, with their dense populations and essential infrastructure, are particularly susceptible to these threats.
“Urban areas are the heart of our nation’s economic and social activities. Ensuring their resilience against disasters is paramount for the safety and prosperity of our people,” said Mr. Elias. “The Phase II project will build on the successes of the initial phase, enhancing our preparedness and response strategies to better protect our urban and vulnerable communities.”
He concludes by affirming that building on the community-focused approach of Phase I, Phase II will continue to involve local residents in planning and decision-making processes. This ensures that the initiatives are tailored to the specific needs and priorities of each community.
Emily Doe, the WFP Country Director, expresses her organization’s commitment to supporting the country in mitigating the impacts of disasters. “The WFP is dedicated to working with Lesotho in building resilient urban environments. The RUP II project is a testament to our shared goal of reducing the vulnerability of urban populations to disasters,” she states.
She articulates that one of the key outcomes of the workshop is the development of a comprehensive action plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the coming months to implement the RUP II project. “This plan serves as a roadmap for enhancing disaster preparedness in Lesotho’s urban areas, ensuring that the nation is better equipped to handle future challenges.”
Emily emphasizes that as Lesotho continues to navigate the complexities of natural disasters and economic instability, initiatives like the RUP II project are essential in safeguarding the wellbeing of its urban populations. Their collaborative efforts with the DMA represent a promising step towards a more resilient and prepared Lesotho.
“The success of Phase II hinges on collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and international partners. By working together, these groups can ensure that the initiative’s goals are met and that women are empowered to lead their communities toward resilience,” she concludes.