February 13, 2003
By Tendai Dhliwayo
THE City of Johannesburg's Disaster Management Committee has officially opened its first Disaster Relief Centre for region 5, Roodepoort, west of the city.
Situated at shaft 5 of the disused Durban Roodepoort Deep Gold Mine, "the centre will provide essential services required in a disaster situation, such as food, clothing, shelter and hospitality for individuals and families affected", says Eunice Letlape, Region 5's communication officer.
The centre is an initiative by the Disaster Relief Committee, formed in 2001 to help with the critical needs for disaster victims in the Johannesburg area. The committee consists of the City of Johannesburg's Disaster Management Unit, Social Services Department and Health Department. Organisations like Rhema Hands of Compassion, Operation Job Creation, and the local Community Policing Forum also make up the committee.
Also offered, said Letlape, are workshops for Aids caregivers. Job creation projects like sewing, welding and carpentry workshops will also be initiated to make the centre self-sustainable, she added.
Further to be accommodated at the premises are income-generating projects like the recycling of glass and paper, manufacturing of domestic cleaning products for sale as well as mixed gardening.
And animals can find themselves being sustained at the centre as it will offer free sterilisation and care for animals in informal settlements, added Letlape.
