Various role players recently met at Rainbow FM to continue ensuring a workable and organised disaster forum for Roodepoort.
Community forums, neighbourhood watches, City entities, emergency services, security companies, ward councillors and non-government organisations (NGOs) were invited to attend the meeting and did so in their numbers.
The meeting was held to discuss the way forward for the forum, which was established in 2013.
According to Nerine Niemand of Dorcas Aid, “Everyone agreed that it’s much better to involve the parties closer to the ground such as blockwatch organisations, emergency services, SAPS, City of Johannesburg disaster management and ward councillors. These people are always at the scene of an incident first and they are called upon to act. NGOs are always approached for assistance and it is important that NGOs and churches in Roodepoort play an active role in this forum.”
The meeting was opened by DA councillor Gert Niemand who is well-known for his passion for disaster relief. In his opening address he pleaded with everyone that “in the hour of their greatest need, we should not fail the poorest of the poor in this city, but rather reach out, take their hands and support them”. Caleb Finn from the On Florida Forum and Annette Reed, regional director of Dorcas Aid South Africa opened the discussions in an open session. Representatives from organisations such as World Vision International, the Tzu-Chi Foundation and JAM (Joint Aid Management) also were present at the meeting. DA councillors Carl Mann (Ward 85), Ingrid Reinten (Ward 89) and staff from the local South Africa Social Security Agency (Sassa) office were present and contributed positively to the meeting, according to Niemand from Dorcas Aid. One of the big issues that was raised from the floor was the unavailability of contact numbers after hours and on weekends. Dorcas undertook to put together a new emergency relief and disaster response directory that will be used by all emergency response units.
In conclusion councillor Niemand said the best response to a disaster and incident always must be a coordinated response or else the response is a failure.
The forum’s next meeting is scheduled for 21 November and anyone from the community who would like to take part in this initiative is welcome to contact Niemand on 011 672 9669 for more information.
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