Mbombela:Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has urged the integration of disaster risk assessments into housing delivery, stressing that poorly located developments and insufficient infrastructure can subject communities to foreseeable hazards.
According to South African Government News Agency, Simelane emphasized the necessity for housing projects to be designed and executed in ways that protect families from risks such as flooding and fires, while ensuring access to essential services. She highlighted the importance of conducting disaster risk assessments before land acquisition and project approval, considering hazards, site conditions, climate projections, and necessary infrastructure for long-term support.
Simelane warned that while low-cost land purchases may seem economical, they can become expensive if they require extensive flood protection, have unstable ground, or lack reliable servicing. She stressed the importance of coordinating land preparation, infrastructure provision, and environmental assessments early in the planning process to avoid delays and unsuitable site development.
Municipal infrastructure, including drainage, water, sanitation, electricity, and roads, is critical in determining community resilience against disasters. For flood-prone areas, this means tailored drainage systems and functioning culverts; for fire-prone areas, it involves safe access for emergency vehicles and adequate water for firefighting.
In terms of construction quality, Simelane called for the use of appropriate building materials, site-specific specifications, and effective inspections to identify defects before home occupation. For existing informal settlements, she advocated for measures to reduce hazard exposure while longer-term solutions are developed, such as improved drainage and safer access routes.
Relocation may be necessary where serious risks cannot be addressed on site, with government providing alternative accommodation after consulting with residents and explaining the reasons for relocation.
On funding, Simelane urged for disaster prevention measures to be included in development budgets to avoid higher costs from displacement and reconstruction. She advocated for the coordination of various grants with municipal infrastructure programs and disaster risk priorities.
Simelane also called for alignment between provincial housing plans, municipal development plans, spatial frameworks, and disaster management plans to identify and protect high-risk communities. Oversight mechanisms should ensure risks are addressed before occupation and that defects are corrected.
Community participation is crucial in disaster planning, as residents have valuable local knowledge. Simelane stressed the need for accessible information and evacuation arrangements, especially for vulnerable groups, while maintaining that government retains responsibility for providing safe land and services.
Finally, she called for national and provincial support to municipalities lacking planning and engineering expertise, warning that requiring technical assessments without the capacity to conduct them could stall projects and leave communities vulnerable.