N$20.00 WINDHOEK - 3 September 2012 No. 5029 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA CONTENTS Page GOVERNMENT NOTICE No. 228 Promulgation of Disaster Risk Management Act, 2012 (Act No. 10 of 2012), of the Parliament ......................................................................................................................... 1 ________________ Government Notice OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER No. 228 2012 PROMULGATION OF ACT OF PARLIAMENT The following Act which has been passed by the Parliament and signed by the President in terms of the Namibian Constitution is hereby published in terms of Article 56 of that Constitution. No. 10 of 2012: Disaster Risk Management Act, 2012. _______________
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ACTTo provide for the establishment of institutions for disaster risk management
in Namibia; to provide for an integrated and coordinated disaster management approach that focuses on preventing or reducing the risk of disasters, mitigating the severity of disasters, emergency preparedness, rapid and effective response to disasters and post-disaster recovery; to provide for declarations of national, regional and local disasters; to provide for the establishment of the National Disaster Management Risk Fund; and to provide for incidental matters.
“disaster risk reduction” means the concept and practice of reducing disaster risksthrough systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters,including through reducedexposure tohazards, lessenedvulnerabilityofpeopleandproperty,applicationofmeasuresincludingenvironmentalmanagement,land-useandurbanplanning,protectionofcriticalfacilities,applicationofscienceandtechnology,partnershipandnetworking,andfinancialinstruments,earlywarningsystemsincludingforecasting,disseminationofwarnings,preparednessmeasuresandreactioncapacities;
“regional governor”means the governor of a region appointed as such in terms ofsection2oftheSpecialAdvisorsandRegionalGovernorsAppointmentAct,1990(ActNo.6of1990);
“repealedlaw”meansthelawsrepealedbysection59;
“settlement area” means a settlement area as defined in section 1 of the RegionalCouncilsAct;
“settlement committee” means a settlement disaster risk management committeeestablishedintermsofsection16;
“volunteer”means a personwho has applied to be a volunteer andwhose name isenteredinaregisterofvolunteersintermsofsection19;
“vulnerability”meansasetofconditionsandprocessesrootedinconditionsofphysical,social, economic and environmental factors which increase the susceptibility of anindividualorcommunitytotheimpactofhazards;and
2. (1) The Prime Minister is responsible for Namibia’s overalldisasterriskmanagementpolicyand,subjecttotheadviceorrecommendationsoftheCommitteeandtheprovisionsofthisAct,thePrimeMinisterisresponsiblefor–
(3) The Prime Minister must publish or cause to be published, in theGazette orinanyothermannerwhichensuresthatthepublicisinformed,anypolicydocumentdevelopedundersubsection(1)or,whereappropriate,anypolicydirectivegivenundersubsection(2).
PART IINAMIBIA DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONS
Disaster risk management institutions
3. (1) The following institutions are responsible for disaster riskmanagementinNamibia:
(2) Each of the disaster institutions performs functions and exercisespowersasareassignedtoitorconferredonitbythisAct.
National Disaster Risk Management Committee
4. (1) ThePrimeMinistermustestablishtheNationalDisasterRiskManagementCommittee to advise thePresident and theCabinet, through thePrimeMinister,onmattersrelatingtodisasterriskmanagementinNamibia.
(2) The Prime Minister must appoint the Committee consisting of thefollowingpersons:
(3) Whenevertheappointmentofanymemberreferredtoinsubsection(1)(d)orwhenappropriate,(e)becomesnecessaryandanyoftheassociations,organisationsorinstitutionsreferredtointhatsubsectionhasceasedtoexistordoesnotexistorfailstonominate thepersonsascontemplated in that subsection, thePrimeMinistermayappointasamemberoftheCommitteesuchotherpersonasthePrimeMinistermaythinkfit.
(f) supporting and mobilising resources for improved disaster riskassessment,thequalityofinformationanddataondisasterriskandforstrengtheningearlywarningsystems;
(g) supporting the enhancement of skills and capacities for disaster riskmanagementatnational,regional,constituencyandlocallevels;
(i) advocating the development of national information and knowledgemanagementstrategiesandtheestablishmentofstakeholdernetworksfordisasterriskmanagement;
(n) promoting and supporting the integration of disaster risk reductiontrainingintotertiaryeducationcurriculaandintoschoolcurricula;
(o) facilitating training opportunities in disaster risk management forpolicymakers;
(p) endorsing disaster riskmanagement strategies and plans and givingguidance to theDirectorate in allmatters pertaining to disaster riskmanagement;
(q) periodically reviewing policy issues regarding international appeals,soliciting, the acceptance and the use of international assistance,includinginternationalpersonnel;and
(3) Despite subsection (2), the Prime Minister may, after affording amemberanopportunitytomakerepresentationsonthematter,removeamemberfromofficeifthePrimeMinisterhasreasonablecausetobelievethatthememberisnolongerfitorabletodischargethefunctionsofhisorheroffice
(b) a person nominated by the association, organisation or institutionwhichoriginallynominatedhimorherforappointment,ifthatpersonwasappointedundersection4(2)(d)or(e).
(b) withdraw from any further discussion or determination by theCommitteeofthatmatter.
(3) Any personwho contravenes or fails to complywith the provisionsofthissectioncommitsanoffenceandisliableonconvictiontoafinenotexceedingN$5000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceeding12monthsortobothsuchfineandimprisonmentandthefinemayberecoveredbythePrimeMinisterbyactioninacompetentcourtforthebenefitoftheFund.
(7) In the absence of both the chairperson and vice-chairperson, thememberspresentmustelectoneoftheirnumbertopresideatthatmeetingandperformthefunctionsandexercisethepowersofthechairperson.
(12) The Prime Minister may make rules regarding the holding of andprocedure at meetings of the Committee including those of any sub-committeeestablishedintermsofsection9.
(3) TheDirectorateisresponsibleforcoordinatingdisasterriskmanagementinNamibiaandexecuting thedecisionsof theCommitteeand to thatextend itmustfacilitate the establishment of an integrated and coordinated system of disaster riskmanagementinNamibiaby-
(a) facilitate and coordinate the development of a national disaster riskmanagementpolicyandtheframeworkfordisasterriskmanagementinNamibia;
(b) facilitate the development, strengthening and transformation of thedisasterinstitutions;
(c) facilitate and coordinate disaster risk assessments undertaken inpartnershipwithstakeholders,regionalcouncilsandlocalauthorities;
(d) facilitate and coordinate the development, implementation andmaintenanceofintegrateddisasterriskmanagementplansfordisasterriskmanagementatalllevelsofgovernmentwhichinclude-
(i) specific disaster risk reduction strategies, aimed at buildingresilientareas,communities,householdsandindividuals;
(ii) the development and testing of contingency plans of knownpriorityriskatalllevelsofgovernment;
(iii) the development of response and recovery plans to ensurerapidandeffectiveresponsetodisastersthatareoccurringorare threatening to occur and tomitigate the effects of thosedisastersthatcouldnothavebeenpreventedorpredicted;and
(e) provide support to regional, constituency, settlement and localauthorities disaster risk management committees or services toimplement awareness programmes for the purpose of disaster riskreductioninvulnerablecommunitiesatrisktodisasters;
(f) assist with the establishment of mechanisms for creating publicawarenessinstillingacultureofriskavoidance;
(j) measure performance to evaluate effectiveness of disaster riskmanagementandriskreductionstrategies;
(k) monitor compliance with any disaster risk management policyformulated and developed in terms of section 2 and ensure theintegrationofpoliciesintodevelopmentplanningatalllevels;and
12. (1) In order to ensure a mechanism for consultation by allstakeholdersandthecoordinationofdisasterriskmanagementplanningandoperationstheCommitteemustestablishanationalfocalpersonsforumfornationalfocalpersons.
(2) Everypermanentsecretaryorheadofofficeofagovernmentalinstitutionandeveryheadofofficeofanassociation,organisationorinstitutioninvolvedindisasterriskmanagementactivitiesmustensure that there isatall timesanofficialofhisorhergovernmentalinstitution,association,organisationorinstitutiondesignatedasthefocalpersonforcommunicationwiththeDirectorinrelationtothedisastermanagementproceduresofthegovernmentalinstitution,association,organisationorinstitution.
(4) The responsibilities of the national focal persons within theirgovernmentministry,office,agency,association,organisationorinstitutionsistodothefollowing:
13. (1) ThePrimeMinistermustestablishtheNamibiaVulnerabilityAssessment Committee which consists of the following members appointed by thePrimeMinisterafterconsultationwiththeCommittee-
(a) advise the relevant regionalgovernor, onmatters relating todisasterriskmanagementinthatregion;and
(b) coordinate disaster risk management among sector governmentalinstitutions, local authorities, communities and other role-playersinvolvedindisasterriskmanagementatregionallevel.
(f) arepresentativeofanydefenceassociation,organisationorinstitutionestablished in terms of the law if the association, organisation orinstitutionissituatedintheregion;and
(a) participate in disaster risk assessments processes and facilitate thedevelopmentofdisasterriskmanagementplanninginpartnershipwithotherstakeholderswithintheregion;
(f) providesupporttoconstituencyandsettlementdisasterriskmanagementcommittees to implement awareness programmes for the purpose ofdisasterriskreductionincommunitiesexposedtospecifichazards;
(g) assist with the establishment of mechanisms for creating publicawarenesstoinstillacultureofriskavoidance;
(k) monitor compliance with any disaster risk management policyformulatedanddevelopedintermsofsection2andensuretheintegrationofsuchpoliciesintodevelopmentplanningatregionallevel;
(l) mobilise resources for disaster risk management activities for theregion;
(4) When the appointment of anymember referred to in subsection (2)(d),(e)or(f)becomesnecessaryandanyoftheservices,associations,organisationsorinstitutionsreferredtointhatsubsectionhasceasedtoexistordoesnotexistorfailstonominatethepersonsascontemplatedinthatsubsection,aregionalgovernormayappointasamemberofaregionalcommitteesuchotherpersonasthegovernormaydeemfit.
(7) Any person who is in terms of subsection (6) disqualified to beamember of a regional committee andwho,while he or she is so disqualified andknowingorhavingreasonablegroundsforknowingthatheorsheissodisqualified,sitsasamemberoftheregionalcommittee,commitsanoffenceandisliabletoapenaltyofN$500foreachdayonwhichheorshesosits,whichmayberecoveredbytheregionalcommitteebyactioninanycompetentcourtforthebenefitoftheFund.
(10) Despite subsection (9), the regional governormay, after affording amemberanopportunitytomakerepresentationsonthematter,removeamemberfromofficeiftheregionalgovernorhasreasonablecausetobelievethatthememberisnolongerfitorabletodischargethefunctionsofhisorheroffice.
(11) If a member of a regional committee vacates office under thecircumstancesreferredtoinsubsection(9)or(10)ordies,thevacancymustsubjecttosubsection(6),befilledby-
(a) the relevant new head of the relevant government institution orthe regional councilor appointed by the regional governor, if theappointmentwasmadeundersubsection(2)(b)or(c);or
(b) a person nominated by the service, association, organisation orinstitutionwhichoriginallynominatedhimorherforappointment,ifthatpersonwasappointedundersubsection(2)(d),(e)or(f).
(13) The provisions of section 7 relating to the conduct ofmembers anddisclosureofinterestandsection8relatingtoproceduresatandmeetings,applytoaregionalcommitteewithnecessarychanges.
(16) Subjecttotheapprovaloftheregionalgovernor,aregionalcommitteemay assign any of its functions to a sub-committee under conditions the regionalcommitteemaydetermine.
(17) Thechief regionalofficer is thechairpersonofevery sub-committeeestablishedintermsofthissection.
(19) Amemberof a regional committeeorof any sub-committeewho isnot in full-timeemploymentof theState is entitled tobepaid such remunerationorallowances,aswellassuchotherbenefits,asthePrimeMinister,withtheconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforfinance,maydetermine.
(20) Theallowancesorexpensespayableorreimbursableundersubsection(19)arepayable frommoneyappropriated for thatpurposebyParliamentandmadeavailabletotheregionalcouncil.
Constituency Disaster Risk Management Committees
15. (1) The regional councilor for a constituencymust establish forthatconstituencyacommitteetobeknownastheconstituencydisasterriskmanagementcommitteetoadvisetheregionalcouncilorforthatconstituencyonmattersrelatingtodisasterriskmanagementinthatconstituencyandtocoordinatedisasterriskmanagementamongsectorgovernmentalinstitutions,communitiesandotherrole-playersinvolvedindisasterriskmanagementatconstituencylevel.
(2) A constituency committee consists of the regional councilor for theconstituency,whoisthechairpersonoftheconstituencycommittee,andthefollowingpersonsappointedbytheregionalcouncilor:
(a) representatives of governmental institutions at constituency levelincludingteachers,nurses,theNamibianpoliceforce,agricultureandotherextensionstaff;
(b) representatives of non-governmental organisations operating in theconstituency;
(7) Subject to the approval of the regional councilor, a constituencycommitteemayassignanyof its functions to a sub-committeeonconditions itmaydecidetoimpose.
(9) The secretarial and administrative functions of a constituencycommitteeorasub-committeeisperformedbystaffmembersoftheregionalcouncilmadeavailableforthatpurposebythechiefclerk.
(11) Theallowancesorexpensespayableorreimbursableundersubsection(10)arepayable frommoneyappropriated for thatpurposebyParliamentandmadeavailabletotherelevantregionalcouncil.
16. (1) The regionalcouncilor foraconstituencymustestablish, foreachsettlementareawithintheconstituency,acommitteetobeknownasthesettlementdisaster riskmanagement committee to coordinate disaster riskmanagement amongsector governmental institutions, communities and other role-players involved indisasterriskmanagementintherelevantsettlement.
(2) A settlement committee consists of the following persons appointedbytherelevantregionalcouncilorfortheconstituencyinwhichthesettlementareaissituated:
(b) representatives of governmental institutions at settlement area levelincludingteachers,nurses,theNamibianpoliceforce,agricultureandotherextensionstaff;
(c) representatives of non-governmental organisations operating in thesettlementarea;
(6) Amemberofasettlementcommitteewhoisnotinfull-timeemploymentoftheStateisentitledtobepaidsuchremunerationorallowances,aswellassuchotherbenefits, as thePrimeMinister,with theconcurrenceof theMinister responsible forfinance,maydetermine.
(7) Theallowancesorexpensespayableorreimbursableundersubsection(6) are payable frommoney appropriated for that purpose by Parliament andmadeavailabletotherelevantregionalcouncil.
Local Authorities Disaster Risk Management Committees
17. (1) Each local authority must, subject to the LocalAuthoritiesAct,1992(ActNo.23of1992)andanylawregulatingorgoverningtheprovisionofemergencyservicesinlocalauthorityareas,establishwithinitsareaofjurisdiction,alocalauthoritydisasterriskmanagementcommittee.
(3) Theheadof the local authority council is the chairpersonof a localauthoritycommittee.
(4) Alocalauthoritycommitteemust,subjecttotheapplicableprovisionsof theLocalAuthoritiesAct, 1992 (ActNo. 23 of 1992) and any law regulating orgoverningtheprovisionofemergencyservicesinlocalauthorityareas,appointapersonasheadofitslocalauthoritydisasterriskmanagementcentre.
(6) A local authority committee must be represented on the regionalcommitteeoftheregioninwhichthelocalauthorityissituated.
(7) In addition to any duty or function imposed by law on any localauthoritycommitteeorcouncil,alocalauthoritycommitteethroughthelocalauthoritydisasterriskmanagementcentreisresponsibleforperformingthefollowingdutiesandfunctions-
(a) promote an integrated and co-ordinated approach to disastermanagement in the local authority area, with special emphasis onpreventionandmitigationby-
(k) ensure the development, implementation and maintenance ofdisaster risk reduction strategies,whichwill result in resilient areas,communities,householdsandindividuals;
(r) monitor compliance with any disaster risk management policyformulatedanddevelopedintermsofsection2andensuretheintegrationofsuchpoliciesintodevelopmentplanningatregionallevel;
(s) promote the recruitment, training and participation of volunteers indisastermanagementinthelocalauthorityarea;
(u) submit quarterly and annual reports, minutes of meetings andresolutionsmade by the local authority service and any informationrelatedtodisasterriskmanagement to thelocalauthoritycouncilforsubmissiontotheDirectorate.
(c) person who has been appointed to be the head of a local authoritydisasterriskmanagementcentrebyalocalauthoritycouncil,ifheorshewishestobeavolunteertoalocalauthority.
(2) On receipt of an application made in terms of subsection (1), theDirectorate,chairpersonorheadofalocalauthoritydisasterriskmanagementcentre;
(4) The Directorate, the chairpersons of the committees referred to insubsection(1)(b),theheadofalocalauthoritydisasterriskmanagementcentrereferredtoinsubsection(1)(c)must,maintainaregisterofallvolunteersfromtherelevantareaandinwhichmustberecordedalltherelevantparticulars.
PART IIIDISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK, PROGRAMMES AND
PLANS
National disaster risk management framework
20. (1) The Directorate must, in consultation with the Committee,develop a national disaster riskmanagement framework and guidelines thatwill beusedtodevelopdisasterriskmanagementprogrammesandplansinNamibia.
(2) The national disaster risk management framework referred to insubsection(1)aimsat incorporating thefollowingprinciplesandstrategicobjectivesintodisasterriskmanagementplanning:
(b) timely disaster risk reduction actions that contribute to sustainabledevelopmentbylimitingthelossoflifeandlivelihoodandenvironmentalandpropertydamage;
(d) the introduction of creative formal and informal initiatives thatencourage risk avoidance behaviour on the part of individuals, theprivatesectorandgovernment;
(e) theintroductionofmechanismstoensurethatNamibia’stransportation,critical services such as telecommunications, electricity and publicsectorinfrastructurenetworksareabletowithstandpotentialthreats;
(f) theintroductionofmechanismsforsettingandimplementingminimumbuildingstandards,especiallyforlow-costhousing,toensurestructuralsoundness thatwithstands the impactofextremeweatherpatternsorotheradverseconditions;and
(2) Indevelopingadisasterriskmanagementprogram,everygovernmentinstitution must identify and assess the various hazards and risks to public safetythat could give rise to disasters and identify the facilities and other elements of theinfrastructureforwhichtheinstitutionisresponsiblethatareatriskofbeingaffectedbydisasters.
23. (1) Eachgovernmental institutionmust formulate adisaster riskmanagementplan for theministry, agency,officeor statutorybody, as thecasemaybe, in respectof the typeofdisasterassigned to itby thePrimeMinister,governingtheprovisionofnecessaryservicesduringadisasterandtheproceduresunderandthemanner inwhich staffmembersor employeesandotherpersonswill respond to thedisaster.
(a) align the development and implementation of its disaster riskmanagementplanwiththoseofotherstakeholdersandinstitutionalroleplayers for incorporation into the national disaster riskmanagementplan;
(d) submit a copy of its disaster risk management plan, and of anyamendmenttotheplan,totheDirectorate.
(4) TheDirectormustsubmitadisasterplanreceivedintermsofsubsection(3)(d) to theCommitteewhichmayadopt theplanwithorwithoutamendmentsandthereafterincorporateitintothenationaldisasterriskmanagementplan.
(2) Indevelopingadisasterriskmanagementprogramme,everyregionalcouncilmust identify and assess the various hazards and risks to public safety thatcould give rise to disasters and identify the facilities and other elements includinginfrastructurethatareatriskofbeingaffectedbydisasters.
Regional disaster risk management plans
25. (1) Everyregionalcouncilmustformulateacompositeandintegraldisaster riskmanagement plan for the region, governing the provision of necessaryservicesbefore,duringandafteradisasterandtheproceduresunder,andthemannerinwhichgovernmentalinstitutions,localauthorities,non-governmentalorganisationsandotherpersonswillrespondtothedisaster.
(a) align the development and implementation of its disaster riskmanagementplanwiththoseofotherstakeholdersandinstitutionalroleplayers for incorporation into the national disaster riskmanagementplan;
(d) submit a copy of its disaster risk management plan, and of anyamendmenttotheplan,totheDirectorate.
(4) TheDirectormustsubmitadisasterplanreceivedintermsofsubsection(3)(d) to theCommitteewhichmayadopt theplanwithorwithoutamendmentsandthereafterincorporateitintothenationaldisasterriskmanagementplan.
(2) Indevelopingadisaster riskmanagementprogram,every settlementcommittee must identify and assess the various hazards and risks to public safetythat could give rise to disasters and identify the facilities and other elements of theinfrastructurewithinitsjurisdictionthatareatriskofbeingaffectedbydisasters.
Disaster risk management plans for settlements
27. (1) Every settlement committee must formulate a disaster riskmanagement plan for the settlement area for which it is established, governing theprovision of necessary services during a disaster and the procedures under, and themanner inwhichgovernmental institutions,non-governmentorganisations andotherpersonswillrespondtothedisaster.
(a) align the development and implementation of its disaster riskmanagementplanwiththoseofotherstakeholdersandinstitutionalroleplayers for incorporation into the regional disaster riskmanagementplan;
(d) submit a copy of its disaster risk management plan, and of anyamendmenttotheplan,totheregionalgovernorandthechiefregionalofficerforincorporationintotheregionalplan.
Disaster risk management programmes for local authorities
28. (1) Everylocalauthoritycouncilmustdevelopandimplement,inthe local authority area forwhich it is established, a disaster riskmanagement pro-grammeconsistingof-
(a) determinetheroleandresponsibilitiesofthelocalauthorityinrelationto the national disaster risk management policy and the manner inwhich theconceptandprinciplesofdisaster risk reductionare tobeappliedinitsfunctionalorjurisdictionalarea;
(b) determine the local authority’s role and responsibilities in respectofemergencyresponseanddisasterrecoveryandrehabilitation;
(d) submit a copy of its disaster risk management plan, and of anyamendmenttotheplan,totheregionalgovernorandthechiefregionalofficerwhomustcause theplan tobe incorporated into the regionalplan.
PART IVDECLARATION OF STATE OF DISASTER
Declaration of state of national disaster
30. (1) Ifatanytimeitappears thatanydisaster isofsuchanatureandextentthatextraordinarymeasuresarenecessarytoassistandprotectthepersonsaffected or likely to be affected by the disaster in any areawithinNamibia, or thatcircumstancesarelikelytoarisemakingsuchmeasuresnecessary,thechairpersonoftheCommitteemayrecommendtotheCabinetthatastateofnationaldisasterbedeclaredforthewholeoforanypartofNamibia.
(3) If the President is satisfied that the circumstances mentioned insubsection(1)exist,orarelikelytoariseandthatthecriteriasetoutinsubsection(4)havebeenmet,thePresidentmay,pursuanttoarticle26(1)oftheNamibianConstitution,byproclamationintheGazette declarethat,witheffectfromadatespecifiedbyhimorherinthedeclaration,astateofnationaldisasterexistswithinanareadefinedbyhimorherinthedeclaration.
(a) there isa situation that requires immediateaction toprevent, reduceormitigate a danger ofmajor proportions that could result in deathorseriousharmtopersonsorsubstantialdamagetopropertyortotheenvironment;and
(ii) theresourcesnormallyavailabletotheconstituency,regionorgovernmentalinstitutionssituatedintheconstituencyorregioncannotberelieduponwithouttheriskofseriousdelay;
(a) make arrangements for the release of any available resources of thenational government, including stores, equipment, vehicles, watertransportandairtransportandanyotherfacilities;
(b) make arrangements for personnel from national level to be madetemporarilyavailablefortheperformanceofemergencyservices;
(h) make provision for and control the use of temporary emergencyhousing;
(i) implementanymeasuresnecessary tomaintainexisting,or to installtemporary lines of communication to, from or within the disaster-strickenorthreatenedarea;
(ii) theexistenceandavailabilityofanyservice,facilityorthingwhichmaybeusedfororinconnectionwiththedisasterandwhichisunderthecontrolorinthepossessionofsuchperson;
(b) to maintain such specified stocks of fuel, food, water or medicalsuppliesforuseduringastateofdisasterasheorshemayreasonablybeexpectedtomaintain;
(c) who is the owner or manager of any industry or trade which theauthorisedofficerreasonablybelievesisanessentialindustryortrade,or the owner ormanager of any organisation, which the authorisedofficer reasonably believes, renders an essential service, to take, inregard to that industry, trade or service or the continuation thereof,suchstepsastheauthorisedofficerconsidersnecessarytodealwiththedisaster;or
(d) toperformanyworkor render any servicewhich, as a result of thedisaster, is reasonablynecessary for the purposeof dealingwith thesituation.
(2) Every authorised officer and any person performing disaster riskmanagementtasksintermsofthisActmustkeepsecretandaidinkeepingsecretanyinformationsuppliedincompliancewithanordergivenintermsofsubsection(1)(a).
(4) In an appeal in terms of subsection (3), the Prime Minister, afterinvitingtheauthorisedofficerconcernedtosubmitwrittenrepresentationsinthematterandconsideringanyrepresentationssosubmitted,mayconfirm,varyorsetasidethe
(5) An authorisedofficermay, during a state of national disaster, in theexerciseofhisorherpowersor theperformanceofhisorher functionsorduties intermsoftheprovisionsofthisAct–
(b) direct any personwho is the owner of orwho has possession of orcontrol over any land or other property which is required for thepurposesofdealingwiththedisastersituationtosurrendertheuseofsuchlandtoaspecifiedpersonortoaspecifiedauthorityortodeliverormakeavailablesuchpropertytoaspecifiedpersonintheserviceofthatauthority.
(3) After taking possession or control of land or property or giving adirectiveintermsofsubsection(2),anauthorisedofficermustcausewrittennoticeofsuchtakingordirectivetobeservedonanypersonowningorpossessingsuchlandorproperty.
(8) Whenthecontinuedpossessionorcontrolbyanauthorisedofficerofanylandorpropertytakenintermsofsubsection(2)isnolongerreasonablyjustifiableasreferredtoinsubsection(7),thatlandorpropertymust,whereverpossible,bepromptlyreturnedin theconditioninwhich itwasat the timeofsuchtakingofpossessionorcontrol.
(9) The owner or any other person entitled to the return of any land orproperty in terms of subsection (8) or entitled to compensation in terms of section42may apply to a competent court for the return of the landor property or for thedeterminationoftherighttoortheamountofsuchcompensation,asthecasemaybe,andthecompetentcourtmustmakesuchorder..
(10) No land or other property owned or possessed by the Statemay betakenintermsofthissectionwithouttheconsentoftheMinisterresponsibleforthelandorproperty.
Declaration of a regional disaster
35. (1) Ifatanytimeitappears thatanydisaster isofsuchanatureandextentthatextraordinarymeasuresarenecessarytoassistandprotectthepersonsaffectedor likely to be affectedby thedisaster in any region, or that circumstances
are likely to arisemaking suchmeasures necessary the chairperson of the regionalcommitteemay,afterconsultingtheDirectorateandthelocalauthority,settlementandconstituencycommitteesestablishedintheregion,recommendtotheregionalgovernorthatastateofdisasterbedeclaredintheaffectedpartorthewholeoftheregion.
(3) If the President is satisfied that the circumstances mentioned insubsection(1)exist,orarelikelytoariseandthatthecriteriasetoutinsubsection(4)havebeenmet,heorshemay,pursuanttoarticle26(1)oftheNamibianConstitution,byproclamationintheGazettedeclarethat,witheffectfromadatespecifiedbyhimorherinthedeclaration,aregionaldisasterexistswithinanareadefinedbyhimorherinthedeclaration.
(c) theeventorprocessaffectsmorethanonelocalauthority,constituency,settlement or exceeds the capabilities of a single municipality,constituency,settlementtomanageiteffectively.
(a) make arrangements for the release of any available resources of theregional council, governmental institutions, municipalities includingstores,equipment,vehiclesandfacilities;
(c) implement all or any of the provisions of a regional disaster riskmanagement plan that is applicable in the circumstances or initiate,orderoroverseetheimplementationofalloranyoftheprovisionsofsuchaplan;
(d) direct,regulateandoverseetheevacuationtotemporarysheltersofallor part of the population from the emergency-stricken or threatenedareaifsuchactionisnecessaryforthepreservationoflife;
37. (1) During a regional disaster the regional governor, afterconsultation with the chairperson of the regional committee, may designate staffmembers employed by a regional council or appoint other persons to be authorisedofficersforsuchperiodsandforsuchareasandsubjecttosuchconditionsasmaybespecifiedintheinstrumentdesignatingorappointingthestaffmemberorperson.
(2) Anauthorisedofficerdesignatedorappointed in termsofsubsection(1)maywithinthedesignatedregion,performfunctionsandexercisepowersconferredonanauthorisedofficerintermsofsections33and34asifheorshewereanauthorisedofficerreferredtoinsection32.
(4) If the President is satisfied that the circumstances mentioned insubsection(1)exist,orarelikelytoariseandthatthecriteriasetoutinsubsection(5)havebeenmet,heorshemay,pursuanttoarticle26(1)oftheNamibianConstitution,byproclamationintheGazettedeclarethat,witheffectfromadatespecifiedbyhimorherinthedeclaration,alocaldisasterexistswithinanareadefinedbyhimorherinthedeclaration.
39. (1) Duringa localdisaster thechairpersonof the localauthoritycommittee maydesignatestaffmembersemployedbythelocalauthorityorappointotherpersonstobeauthorisedofficersforsuchperiodsandforsuchareasandsubjecttosuchconditionsasmaybespecifiedintheinstrumentdesignatingorappointingthestaffmemberorperson.
(2) Anauthorisedofficerdesignatedorappointed in termsofsubsection(1)maywithin the local authority area forwhich he or she has been designated orappointed, subject to necessary changes required by context, perform functions andexercisepowersconferredonanauthorisedofficerintermsofsections33and34asifheorshewereanauthorisedofficerreferredtoinsection32.
Establishment of Crisis Committee during state of disaster
(c) the permanent secretaries of the ministries responsible for defence,safetyandsecurity,regionalandlocalgovernment,housingandruraldevelopment,andhealthandsocialservices;
(3) Subject to subsection (2), amemberorunit of theuniformed forcesmaybedirectedto–
(a) render to any person or authority upon whom a power or duty isconferred or imposed by or under this Act in connection with theexerciseorperformanceofsuchpowerorduty,suchassistanceasmaybedeterminedbythePrimeMinister;
(ii) provide for the revision and, in appropriate cases, thediscountenanceor reductionofanycompensationpayable intermsoftheregulations;
(iii) prohibitthecession,assignmentorattachmentofcompensationpayable in termsof the regulations, or the right to any suchcompensation;
(iv) determine that any compensation received in terms of theregulationsmay not form part of the estate of the recipient,shouldsuchestatebesequestrated;
(v) provide that if in the opinion of the authority referred to inparagraph(a) (ii), it is forany reasonundesirable topay thewhole amount of any compensation payable in terms of theregulationsdirectlytothepersonentitledsuchauthoritymaydirectthatcompensation,oranypartofit,bepaidtosomeotherperson,onconditionsastoitsadministrationforthebenefitoftheinjuredpersonorhisorherdependantsastheauthoritymaydetermine;or
47. (1) WhereinafinancialyeartheincomeoftheFund,togetherwithanysurplusincomebroughtforwardfromapreviousyear, is insufficienttomeettheactual or estimated liabilities of the Fund, theMinister responsible for financemaymakeadvancestotheFundoutofmoneysappropriatedforthepurposebyParliamentinordertomeetthedeficiency.
(2) Advancesmade in terms of subsection (1) aremade on such termsandconditions,whetherastorepaymentorotherwise,asdeterminedbytheMinisterresponsibleforfinance.
Objectives of Fund
48. The objective for which the Fund is established is to serve as acontingencyfundandforthedevelopmentandpromotionofdisasterriskmanagementinNamibia.
50. (1) ForthepurposesoftheStateFinanceAct,1991(ActNo.31of 1991), the Permanent Secretary in the office of the PrimeMinister is, subject tosubsection(2),theaccountingofficeroftheFund.
(2) The Committee is responsible for the administration of the Fund,subjecttothedirectionsofthePrimeMinistergivenwiththeconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforfinance,andtotherulesmadeundersubsection(3).
(3) The Prime Minister may, with the concurrence of the Ministerresponsibleforfinance,makerulesrelatingtotheadministrationoftheFund.
(3) TheAuditor-GeneralmustsubmitareportontheauditoftheFundtothePrimeMinisterwhomusttablethereportintheNationalAssemblywithin60days,if theNationalAssemblyisinsession,or, if it isnotinsession,within30daysaftercommencementofitsnextsession.
(2) Donations received in kind,materials and equipment donated to theFundduringastateofdisasterandtofacilitatedisasterresponsefromacharitableorphilanthropic organisation, development partner or other stakeholder in disaster riskmanagementapprovedbythePrimeMinisterareexemptfromcustomsexciseduty.
(a) immigration must facilitate the entry and operation of internationalreliefpersonnelandexperts,includingtheexpeditiousgrantingofvisasandwaiverofworkpermitsforreliefpersonnelandexperts;
(b) finance must facilitate reduced and simplified customs procedures,exemptionfromduties,taxesandchargesfordonationsofequipmentandmaterials,includingfood,madeduringdisastersituationsincludingpossessionsofreliefpersonnel;and
54. (1) The PrimeMinistermay enter into any agreementwith anyentity or person within or outside Namibia on any matter relating to disaster riskmanagementiftheobjectivesofthatentityorpersonareconsistentwiththeobjectivesofthisAct.
(e) ensure that the assistance given is both appropriate to the assessedneedsandcompliantwithdomesticquality,healthandotherstandards.
Training
55. (1) ThePrimeMinistermay,afterconsultationwiththeCommittee,establish,maintainorcontrolan institution for the trainingofpersons inconnectionwithanymatterreferredtointhisActorheorshemay,onsuchconditionsasheorshemay,eithergenerallyorspecifically,determine,recogniseanyinstitutionestablished,maintainedorcontrolledbyanyotherpersonasaninstitutionforsuchtraining.
(3) A person who qualifies as a volunteer in terms of section 19 mayvoluntarilyofferhimselforherselftoundergotrainingataninstitutionprovidedforinsubsection(1),inconnectionwithanymatterasmaybeprescribedandtorenderrelatedservices.
(4) Themanner in which any person contemplated in subsection (3) iscalled up for the training or service referred to in that subsection, the conditions oftrainingandserviceandallothermatterspertainingtoitmustbeasprescribed.
Offences and penalties
56. (1) Anypersonwho-
(a) hinders,obstructsorresistsanauthorisedofficeroranyotherpersonin the exercise or performance of that authorised officer’s or otherperson’spowers,functionsordutiesintermsoftheprovisionsofthisAct;
57. (1) The Prime Minister may, on the recommendation of theCommittee,makeregulationsnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisAct,inrespectof anymatterwhich is in terms of thisAct required or permitted to be prescribed,andgenerallyrelatingtoanymatterwhichheorshedeemsnecessaryorexpedienttoprescribeinorderthattheobjectivesofthisActmaybeachieved.
(ii) applying,withoutmodification,forthepurposeofinvestigationsheldwithrespecttoaccidentsanyoftheprovisionsofanyotherenactmentrelatingtoinvestigationsincasesofdisaster;
(iii) prohibiting, pending investigation, access to or interferencein the area where a disaster has occurred, and authorisingany person, so far asmay be necessary for the purposes ofan investigation, to have access to, examine, remove, takemeasuresforthepreservationof,orotherwisedealwith,anysucharea;
(c) for establishing the objectives and provisions, directives, codes ofpracticeandguidelinesrelatingtodisasterpreparednessandresponseissues;
59. (1) Subject to subsection (2) and (3), the Civil DefenceProclamation,1978(ProclamationNo.AG54of1978)andtheCivilDefenceOrdinance,1979(OrdinanceNo.3of1979),arerepealed.