The Overstrand Municipality’s Disaster Management Department recently held an information sharing session with a delegation from the international refugee agency UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and other stakeholders, including the Department of Social Development.
Also attending the event was refugees living within the Zwelihle community.
UNHCR’s Head of Field Office, Kavita Belani, encouraged the refugees to organise themselves into a structure or association to deal with emergencies, such as during the recent unrest where houses were burnt and shops looted.
She also encouraged the Disaster Management team to set up proper communication channels between existing organisastions within communities in time of emergency to avoid confusion and spreading of rumours.
According to her it is of the utmost importance to convey verified messages from a reliable source.
