NGORONGORO EXPANDS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING AHEAD OF ANTICIPATED HEAVY RAINS
Tanzania's Deputy Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Tourism, Nkoba Mabula, has directed the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority to strengthen emergency preparedness ahead of anticipated El Niño rains. Measures include maintaining more than 600 kilometres of roads, deploying heavy machinery, preparing ambulances and expanding safety awareness programmes to protect tourists, communities and wildlife.
NGORONGORO, Tanzania — The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr. Nkoba Mabula, has commended the management of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) for strengthening preparedness measures ahead of anticipated El Niño rains, including improvements to road infrastructure, water and electricity supplies, communication systems, operational equipment and public awareness initiatives.
During an inspection of infrastructure within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mr. Mabula directed the Authority to accelerate improvements in vulnerable locations, ensure the operational readiness of essential machinery and healthcare services, and conduct practical emergency response training for rescue teams comprising conservation officers and rangers.
He emphasised that conservation activities and tourism services must remain operational regardless of whether El Niño conditions materialise, underscoring the importance of proactive disaster preparedness to safeguard visitors, local communities, wildlife and cultural heritage resources.
"If El Niño rains occur, they must find us fully prepared. Machinery, service vehicles, fuel and spare parts must remain readily available at all times to ensure the safety of tourists and local communities, as well as the protection of wildlife and cultural heritage resources. Hazard-prone areas must also be clearly marked to enhance public awareness and safety," Mr. Mabula stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Ngorongoro Conservation Commissioner, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner (SACC) Gloria Bideberi outlined the Authority's ongoing preparedness and public awareness initiatives.
She reported that the NCAA had provided awareness and preparedness education to 200 staff members, 275 village and ward leaders, more than 1,550 students and 4,965 residents across 10 wards within the conservation area.
The Authority has also engaged 80 tourist accommodation establishments and prepared three ambulances, together with essential medical supplies, to strengthen emergency response capacity.
Meanwhile, Infrastructure Operations Coordinator Eng. Shaban Felician disclosed that more than 11 pieces of heavy machinery had been mobilised to support road construction, maintenance and the recovery of visitors' vehicles in the event of emergencies.
He further explained that the Authority is working to ensure that the conservation area's road network, extending over 600 kilometres, remains accessible throughout the rainy season.
The measures are intended to strengthen operational preparedness, minimise potential disruptions to tourism activities and ensure the continued protection of Ngorongoro's natural and cultural heritage amid anticipated adverse weather conditions.