Chimulirenji urges those affected by floods to relocate to safer grounds
Vice President Everton Chimulirenji has appealed to residents affected by floods in Lilongwe to relocate to safer grounds.
Touring some of the affected areas in areas 50 and 22, Chimulirenji said it is sad to note that same places are affected almost every year – which makes it imperative to have the people moved to safer places.
Heavy rains have so far, affected 403 households in Lilongwe city translating to about 1519 people according to a latest estimation from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma).
About 63 houses have been completely damaged leaving several residents homeless with some seeking shelter in school blocks.
Dodma says the figure is likely to rise if the heavy downpour continues.
Most of the affected are those that built or live in undesignated and flood prone areas.
While pledging support to the affected people, the vice president said: “Going by the weather reports it appears there will be more rains hence the need to move to safer places to avoid loss of property and life”.
In an interview, Lilongwe Chief Executive Officer John Chome said the council is considering demolishing all structures constructed in undesignated areas. He said most of the affected households are those that live in areas not approved by the city.
