Traditional Authority Malemia of Nsanje District in Malawi has expressed concern over the lack of plans to construct a dyke along Nyamadzere River, which is prone to flooding during the rainy season. The chief recently secured 1,000 tree seedlings from First Vice-President Jane Ansah to be planted along the river banks when the National Forestry Season starts in December. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of future flooding.
Chief Malemia believes that planting trees along the river banks will reduce the speed of water run-off into villages, thereby minimizing the risk of flooding. He is also encouraging people living near the rivers to plant trees as part of the effort to prevent erosion and flooding. The tree-planting exercise will not be limited to Nyamadzere River, as other river banks, including Ngoni, Chimwala, Nyanjiwa, and Gandale, have also been earmarked for the exercise.
Nsanje South West legislator Walter Nyamilandu Manda has also expressed concern over the lack of plans for safeguarding people from impending floods in the area. According to Manda, constructing a dyke along Nyamadzere River requires massive capital, which is beyond the resources available under the Reformed K5 billion Constituency Development Fund. This has raised concerns about the ability of the authorities to effectively prepare for the rainy season.
The Malemia Area Disaster Risk Management Committee, led by chairperson Anold Benn, is taking steps to prepare for the impending floods. Benn said the committee is doing everything it can to ensure that people are not affected by floods. In the short term, the committee is preparing for evacuation and setting up safe shelters for those who may be displaced by the floods.
As part of its long-term plans, the committee is empowering people to plant trees along Nyamadzere River and other rivers in the area. The committee is also lobbying duty-bearers to construct dykes and drainage systems along the banks of Nyamadzere River to prevent flooding. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of flooding and protect the lives and property of people living in the area.
The concerns raised by Chief Malemia and legislator Manda highlight the need for urgent action to address the flood risk in Nsanje District. With the rainy season approaching, the authorities are under pressure to come up with effective measures to mitigate the impact of flooding. The tree-planting exercise and plans for evacuation and safe shelters are some of the steps being taken to address the situation.
The situation in Nsanje District is a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. The authorities must work together to ensure that people living in flood-prone areas are protected from the devastating effects of flooding. By working together, it is possible to reduce the risk of flooding and protect the lives and property of people living in the area.
Key points
- Nsanje chief urges planting of trees along river banks to mitigate flood risk
- Legislator Manda cites lack of funds as a challenge to flood prevention efforts
- Authorities are preparing for evacuation and setting up safe shelters in anticipation of floods
