Pretoria – The Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services (PDMC) says it is prepared for any eventuality during the 2014 general elections on 7 May.
The PDMC on Friday said it was ready to assist in securing a safe and secure election environment for all the voters.
There are less than 12 days to go before the nation heads to the polls
Effective safety plans for all identified event venues have been put in place and the PDMC will mainly be responsible for disaster risk reduction, routine emergency preparedness and response and major incident and disaster response.
Disaster management monitoring and coordination centres will be established at all Gauteng municipalities.
According to Chief Director of the Gauteng PDMC Elias Sithole, the contingency plans for the 2014 Elections have been put in place to enable safe and secure 2014 General Elections by providing a consistent provincial framework for the management of emergencies during the period by the responsible authorities, agencies and groups.
The Gauteng Provincial Government through its Cooperative Governance Department is the custodian of the Gauteng PDMC.
It is mandated to provide guidance to organs of state, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, communities and individuals to assess and prevent or reduce the risk of disasters and to promote formal and informal initiatives that encourage risk-avoidance behaviour.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Ntombi Mekgwe has applauded the PMDC for their state of readiness.
“The local Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services have the necessary expertise and resources available including specific plans and procedures that may be utilised in relieving emergency or disaster related problems.
“We are extremely pleased and confident that election 2014 will go well under the efficiency and proficiency of our disaster team,” MEC Mekgwe said.
The MEC said the success of this election contingency plan was based on the pre-planning procedures needed to properly prepare for the unique nature of the elections and the unique threat associated with the event.
The PDMC gained experience in successfully executing their duties in a number of major events in the past including the Confederations Cup, elections and inauguration of the State President in 2009, the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 state funeral of former President Nelson Mandela, among others. – SAnews.gov.za
