Dodma hails relocation initiatives

 Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) commissioner Charles Kalemba has commended communities which are relocating to safe places.

Dodma has been encouraging people living in flood-prone areas in districts such as Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, Mangochi, Salima and Karonga to relocate to upland areas following the loss of lives and properties in these areas during disasters.

While others are yet to relocate to safer areas, some communities are asking authorities to identify new places for them to settle after the rainy season.

Speaking in Nsanje yesterday, Kalemba thanked communities from group village head (GVH) Mpomba in Senior Chief Malemia’s area for deciding to leave their villages to another place.

Kalemba, who visited Mpomba area and Mota Engil camp where flood survivors are staying, advised GVH Mpomba and Senior Chief Malemia to urgently make a formal request to Dodma through Nsanje District Council.

He said: “We do not subscribe to red-tape when dealing with people’s lives. This [request for relocation] is a path in the right direction.

“We will work with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and use all available means to compensate owners of any identi f ied suitable land so that you move to a safer place as a matter of urgency.”

Kalemba said recently, Dodma facilitated the relocation of people of Jombo and Kanseche villages in Chikwawa to safer places within the district.

GHV Mpomba said people in the area have been experiencing floods during the rainy season as their houses were constructed along Shire River bank.

“We are far from civilisation as our children cannot access formal education. There is no progress we can point out. We are tired of experiencing floods every year,” he said.

Recently, 450 households from Mpomba were displaced following heavy rains that poured in the area, damaging foodstuffs and property.

The people were left with no option, but seek shelter at Mota Engil camp near Nsanje Boma.

On his part, Senior Chief Malemia said in collaboration with his subordinates, he already identified land in upper areas and notified Nsanje District Council authorities.

The department has since provided relief items to the displaced communities.