Disaster management committees are required to prepare emergency plans that will direct the actions to be taken by each institution and citizens in areas that receive two rainy seasons per year where, the rains are expected to be below average to average.
This was said by the Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Policy and Coordination Hon. George Simbachawene in his press conference held in Dodoma. The forecast information covers the regions of Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Mara, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Kigoma, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Morogoro as well as the islands of Unguja and Pemba.
"There will be a significant lack of moisture in the soil in many areas that can affect the growth of crops, causing the presence of crop pests and diseases," said the Minister.
The depth of water in rivers, dams and water reservoirs on the ground is expected to decrease especially in many areas that depend on autumn rains, thus causing a shortage of water for various uses.
"The outbreak of diseases can occur due to the lack of access to clean and safe water."
The Minister has given an opinion to Disaster management committees at all levels to involve disaster stakeholders to ensure the availability of seeds that mature in a short time as well as the maintenance of human food and livestock feed including planting crops that mature early and harvesting water.
"Disaster management committees should take measures to prevent outbreaks of diseases that may arise due to the lack of access to clean and safe water, including collaborating with the water and electricity sectors to set their precautionary plans to ensure that the disruption caused by the lack of water and energy are given early solutions".
The Minister has encouraged to strengthen the control of the areas of wild animal reserves, including preventing overlap as much as possible; along with classifying and preparing resources for disaster management and each sector to participate fully in its area.
