NDMA secures E270K from UNDP for fire preparedness

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has received a financial injection of E270,000 from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen fire mitigation and preparedness efforts across Eswatini.

NDMA Chief Executive Officer Lusekwane Victor Mahlalela announced the funding at the validation workshop for the 2025–2030 Fire Preparedness, Adaptation and Response Plan.

Mahlalela described the UNDP support as a timely contribution to national efforts aimed at enhancing institutional readiness, operational capacity and community resilience against fire hazards.

“This funding will enable us to implement key components of our fire preparedness strategy, improve coordination among response agencies and ensure that frontline responders are equipped with the necessary resources,” he said.

The validation workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, regional administrations, emergency services, private sector stakeholders and development partners.

The primary objective was to review and endorse the Fire Preparedness Plan, which sets out structured actions to reduce risk, respond effectively to fire incidents and strengthen adaptive capacity in the face of a changing climate.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dennis Khumalo highlighted the importance of the workshop in fostering collaboration and improving operational response across institutions involved in fire prevention and emergency management.

“Our mandate is to prevent and respond effectively to fires. This validation process ensures that we are aligned, prepared and capable of meeting the challenges ahead,” Khumalo said.

UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation within the national context.

Franklin said UNDP has worked closely with the Government from the inception of the Fire Preparedness Plan and remains committed to supporting its implementation.

“Our engagement reflects UNDP’s core mandate to strengthen resilience, reduce disaster risk and accelerate climate adaptation in line with national priorities and international obligations,” he said.

Franklin described the validation of the Plan not as a conclusion, but as a critical milestone that signals the start of operationalisation.

He called on NDMA, ministries, regional administrations, private sector partners, community leaders and development partners to align their actions and resources behind the national priority of fire preparedness.

Meanwhile, the 2025–2030 Fire Preparedness, Adaptation and Response Plan was developed through a collaborative process involving technical experts, institutional stakeholders and community representatives.

It outlines strategic priorities for risk reduction, public education, emergency response protocols and interagency coordination.

If implemented effectively, the Plan is expected to significantly enhance Eswatini’s capacity to safeguard lives, protect critical infrastructure, support ecosystems and reduce economic losses associated with fire incidents.

UNDP reaffirmed its role as a steadfast partner in supporting these efforts, focusing on long-term resilience building and practical implementation support.

Mahlalela noted that the UNDP funding will be directed toward critical areas such as training exercises, community outreach, emergency equipment procurement and data systems that improve early warning and response coordination.

Participants at the workshop expressed commitment to moving forward with the endorsed Plan and underscored the importance of sustained investment, collaboration and monitoring to achieve the desired outcomes in fire risk management and adaptation.