QACHA'SNEK — The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) Qacha'snek has launched a three-day Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training programme aimed at equipping District Disaster Management Team (DDMT) members with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters effectively.

The training, which began on Monday and concludes on Wednesday, brings together district stakeholders to strengthen disaster management structures and improve coordination in emergency response.

On the first day of the training, participants were taken through disaster risk management terminology, the disaster management cycle, legal and institutional frameworks, the roles and responsibilities of DDMT members, as well as the dissemination of the 2026 Vulnerability Assessment results.

The remaining sessions will cover additional aspects of DRR aimed at further strengthening participants' capacity to effectively manage disasters.

Addressing participants, DDMA Disaster Management Officer Ms. Ithabeleng Koneshe said the training had become necessary following staff turnover, which resulted in many former DDMT members leaving the district.

She explained that the workshop seeks to orient newly appointed members while refreshing the knowledge of existing members on the mandate of the DMA and DDMT.

"This training will enable members to effectively carry out their respective roles and responsibilities in disaster management," she said.

Ms. Koneshe noted that the programme is designed to deepen participants' understanding of DRR principles and concepts, clarify the responsibilities of DDMT members before, during and after disasters, and strengthen teamwork in identifying and addressing hazards affecting the district.

She said participants will also learn how to conduct rapid assessments during emergencies and develop coordinated responses to disasters.

"The DMA is primarily a coordinating body, while disaster management is the responsibility of the DDMT. Strengthening members' understanding of these concepts will improve coordination and make our work more effective," she added.

DDMA Disaster Manager Mrs. 'Mats'itso Motemekoane outlined Lesotho's legal and institutional framework for disaster risk management, explaining that the DMA was established under the Disaster Management Act of 1997 and operates under the Office of the Prime Minister.

She said the Authority coordinates government ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector and United Nations agencies in all matters relating to disaster risk management.

Among its key responsibilities are reducing the country's vulnerability to disasters, enhancing national preparedness, coordinating disaster relief and post-disaster recovery efforts, conducting public awareness campaigns, providing early warning information and promoting disaster risk education.

Mrs. Motemekoane also highlighted the legal instruments guiding disaster management in Lesotho, including the Disaster Management Act of 1997, the Disaster Management Plan of 1996, the Disaster Management Manual of 1996, the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy of 2011, the National Strategic Resilience Framework (2017–2030), the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy of 2020 and the Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan.

She further explained that the legislation provides for the establishment of disaster management structures at national, district and village levels, defines the powers of the Prime Minister and relevant ministers during disasters, and outlines the responsibilities of District Administrators (DA) in emergencies.

Officially opening the workshop, Qacha's Nek DA Mr. Habofanoe Pheku said the training presents an opportunity to revitalise the district's disaster management system and improve service delivery to communities.

"The offices we represent all have an important role to play. If each stakeholder performs their duties diligently and with commitment, we can significantly improve disaster preparedness and response," he said.

Mr. Pheku acknowledged that the DDMT had not been operating at full capacity and expressed hope that the workshop would help identify existing challenges and provide practical solutions.

"Our reflection and introspection will help us strengthen our service delivery. We will emerge from this training better prepared to fulfil our mandate," he said.

Following the training, DDMT members are expected to conduct refresher workshops for Village Disaster Management Teams (VDMTs) to ensure disaster preparedness knowledge reaches the community level.

Participants said they expect to leave the workshop with a better understanding of disaster management concepts, the roles of DDMT members, coordination mechanisms during emergencies, and the importance of involving key stakeholders such as the Roads Directorate and other institutions that play critical roles during disasters.

As climate-related disasters and other emergencies become increasingly frequent, strengthening disaster management structures remains essential. The training marks an important step towards building a more resilient Qacha's Nek, where coordinated planning, informed decision-making and community participation can help save lives and reduce the impact of future disasters.

LENA