GOVT SETS UP CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTRE

THE government is setting up a national disaster management centre in the wake of the devastating fires that swept through the Cape Peninsula last week. Water Affairs Minister Ronnie Kasrils says the centre will concentrate on strengthening co-ordination and our ability to manage disasters as well as taking steps to reduce community vulnerability to their effects. During four days last week the bush fires laid waste thousands of hectares of national park and destroyed eight houses and three historic naval buildings. There were no deaths and few injuries. Insurance companies estimate that total claims will be in the region of R50 million.