Development of an integrated disaster risk management model for the municipalities in the Free State Province

Abstract

Although South Africa’s Disaster Risk Management legislation is internationally recognised, its implementation strategies are ineffective, which exposes vulnerable communities to the ravages of weather-related disasters. Climate change also contributes to weather-related disasters such as floods, droughts and fires, posing a serious threat to sustainable development and poverty alleviation in South Africa. A growing body of literature recognises the origins of the disasters, preparedness programmes and the disaster management cycle, yet there is a paucity of research on developing a model for municipalities to understand the basic tenets of Disaster Risk Management. The aim of the study is to contribute positively to the improvement of Disaster Risk Management by developing an integrated Disaster Risk Management model that would assist municipalities in the Free State Province to plan, implement and manage disasters risks effectively. The proposed integrated Disaster Risk Management model is based on the Cuny Comprehensive and Manitoba models and which comprises three critical elements: Hazard Analysis, Risk Management and Operations Management. The empirical study used a mixed method approach with a pragmatic paradigm. Data sets were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 24), achieving a coefficient correlation of 0.74 using the Cronbach’s alpha as a test measure. The study found that 41% of the respondents are qualified up to Level 6 or higher on the National Qualification Framework, 79% were employed at operational level, and 48% were employed at strategic level with 6-10 years’ experience in Disaster Risk Management. Another finding is that in the Free State Province, compliance with Disaster Risk Management, the DMA (2002) and the NDMF (2005), ranges between 35% and 57%. The results of the qualitative data show that the majority of the respondents agree that an integrated Disaster Risk Management model is necessary for a uniform approach to Disaster Risk Management in the Free State Province. The study concluded that it is necessary for the development and implementation of an integrated disaster risk-management model to render effective disaster-risk management services in the Free State Province.