Mariental: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare on Friday officially launched the Mariental Municipality Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2030), describing it as a significant milestone in strengthening disaster resilience and proactive governance at the local authority level. Speaking at the launch, Ngurare emphasized the strategy's alignment with the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan, the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2012, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the United Nations' Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative.According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngurare highlighted that Mariental, which frequently faces floods, droughts, veld fires, and other climate-related hazards, has shown leadership by adopting a proactive approach to disaster risk management, rather than relying solely on emergency response. He noted that the strategy is more than a policy document, describing it as a commitment to protect lives, strengthen communities, and en sure that development remains resilient in the face of disasters. He further stressed that successful implementation will depend on partnerships between the government, local authorities, development partners, businesses, and communities.Hardap Governor Riaan McNab expressed that the strategy should serve as a practical tool guiding municipal planning, budgeting, infrastructure development, and land-use management, rather than remaining on office shelves. He encouraged the municipality to support the strategy with annual implementation plans, measurable targets, regular risk assessments, community participation, functioning early warning systems, and periodic reviews. McNab stated that a strategy without implementation creates false confidence, while a strategy that is monitored, reviewed, funded, and implemented saves lives.GIZ Namibia Country Director Tobias Gerster congratulated the Mariental Municipality on becoming one of the first local authorities in Namibia to adopt a comprehensive disaster risk r eduction strategy. He remarked that the strategy reflects a shift from disaster response to long-term urban resilience by integrating climate change adaptation, urbanisation, governance, service delivery, and social inclusion. Gerster pointed out that climate hazards become disasters only when they intersect with vulnerable communities, inadequate infrastructure, and poor planning, emphasizing that resilience investments should prioritize informal settlements through improved water, sanitation, and municipal services.Gerster added that GIZ is constructing an Integrated Sanitation Centre in the Donkerhoek informal settlement, describing the project as an investment in public health, dignity, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. The strategy aims to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate resilience, inclusive urban development, and coordinated governance as Mariental continues to address growing environmental and climate-related risks.