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Dykes can be solution to floods—Malemia

Senior Chief Malemia of Nsanje has called upon government and all stakeholders working on supporting flood victims in Chikwawa and Nsanje to consider constructing dykes as a long-term solution to floods.

The chief made the suggestion on Monday at Mpatsa Community Day Secondary School in Nsanje during the commemoration of the World Meteorological Day. Malemia said this year’s disaster has been devastating and everyone should be thinking of long-term solutions.

Part of the damaged by the floods and hailstorm
Part of the damaged by the floods and hailstorm

“Floods can be managed. Illovo Sugar Company is doing it. Go there and find out, no one was hurt by the floods. Their plantations and buildings are intact. We need to learn from them and on a long term-plan, I think dykes can help to control flooded rivers from changing routes. Our focus should be that water from Ruo and other big rivers are kept in the dykes,” she said.

He said people of these districts would be receptive to any decision that saves them and their property.

Nsanje district commissioner, Anastanzio Chibwana, also nodded to the idea, but said there is need for proper planning and improving communication.

Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Management, Yanira Ntupanyama, said what the chief has suggested should be thought about thoroughly.

“While we are thinking about the dykes to control floods, we need to ensure there is weather communication for action. This action should begin from where these waters come from because we know the waters come from within and uplands. So what are we doing in those areas?” she said.

She added that everyone knows that what the people in the affected areas are going through are impacts of climate change and it is time all concerned people, partners and ministries work together for a lasting solution. n

 

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