Call for city crisis task team

ETHEKWINI mayor Zandile Gumede and her deputy, Fawzia Peer, have urged business and community organisations to step forward and lead the city’s response to disaster and emergency crises.

Gumede, who also chairs the eThekwini Aids Council, said this strategy would be a step in the right direction in the city’s vision to become Africa’s most liveable and caring city.

“We will bring on board representatives of business and non-government organisations (NGOs) under a single task team with the city to address critical humanitarian issues, including shack fires, floods, food security and taking care of the needs of the most vulnerable communities.

“We all need to have a vested interest in our city. How do you achieve a great city if we don’t work together? NGOs and business are critical role-players and it makes sense to have them drive our emergency and disaster responses together with the city,” said Gumede.

Outlining the plan to a group of NGOs and businesses in Durban yesterday, Peer appealed for their support, saying their skills and resources were needed.

“The city cannot do everything alone and work in a disjointed manner. The task team will work as a co-ordinating hub to ensure our response in times of crisis is in a united and organised manner.

“During past disasters, for example, we found food going to waste as people complained it was too spicy. This could have been avoided with a more structured response.”

Peer said business could lead by example.