BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK— Emaswati have been urged to conduct thorough surveys and understand the environmental and weather-related hazards of an area before constructing their homes, as this can help reduce the risks associated with extreme weather events and disasters.
Meteorologist Officer Ntabeni Simelane in the ongoing workshop said prospective homeowners should not only consider the availability and attractiveness of land when choosing where to build, but should also establish whether the area is exposed to hazards such as flooding, strong winds, landslides and other weather-related risks.
Simelane stressed that proper assessment of the location before construction is an important step towards protecting lives and property.
“People need to do their survey before building their homes. They need to know all the hazards that align with the area they have chosen,” said Simelane.
He explained that understanding the characteristics of a location can assist communities in making informed decisions about where and how to construct their homes. Areas situated near rivers, steep slopes or other vulnerable locations may require additional precautions or, in some cases, may not be suitable for residential development.
Simelane further encouraged communities to pay attention to weather information and early warnings issued by relevant authorities, particularly during periods when heavy rainfall, strong winds or other extreme weather conditions are expected.
He noted that disaster preparedness should begin long before a hazardous event occurs. Proper land-use planning, safe construction practices and awareness of local weather patterns can significantly reduce the potential impact of disasters.
The call comes as communities continue to experience the effects of changing weather patterns, making it increasingly important for residents, local authorities and other stakeholders to work together in promoting safer settlements.
Simelane said informed decisions at the planning stage can go a long way towards ensuring that families live in safer environments while reducing the costs and losses associated with disasters.
#WeatherAwareness #DisasterRiskReduction#SafeHousing #ClimateResilience #Meteorology #Eswatini #NtabeniSimelane
