The civil protection unit's preparedness and its role in disaster management: the case of Nyanga rural district

Abstract

The study seeks to establish various disasters occurring in Zimbabwe and how they are managed special reference being given to Nyanga District, and howthe Civil Protection Unit in the area is prepared to manage various disasters. Nyanga District suffered major losses in terms of life, property, and infrastructure and ecosystem destruction. The preparednessand overall role of Civil Protection Unit in managing disasters came under spotlight. The main thrust of the research was to investigate the preparedness of Civil Protection Unit in Nyanga District in dealing with disasters as well as highlighting the major challenges faced in pursuit of its goals and objectives and possible solutions that can be engaged to manage the major challenges. Qualitative research design was used to carry out this study and the purposive sampling technique was used to choose respondents. Various techniques namely, interviews, questionnaires and observation were used to generate data from the field. Interviews and questionnaires with same question guide were used to gather data so as to standardize responses from all sample population. The study helps to explain various structural shortcomings and weakness characterizing the Civil Protection Unit in Zimbabwe. Some communities in Nyanga district expressed that they are not aware of Civil Protection Unit. After the analysis of the gathered data from the field recommendations were offered to cover up as solutions to the problems facing the Civil Protection Unit in Zimbabwe, include awareness campaigns, community based disaster management, public-private partnership among others. Nyanga District Civil Protection Coordinating Committee came under spotlight after a number of disasters were reportedly not well prepared for. It was revealed during the course of the research that there have not been awareness campaigns by Civil Protection Unit.