Traditional leaders in Salima have raised concerns over gaps in disaster preparedness and management, urging for training and collaboration among community disaster structures.
Speaking on Monday during a sensitisation meeting organised by the Salima District Disaster Risk Management Committee, the chiefs emphasised the need to build the capacity of area disaster risk management committees.
They noted that poor coordination among area disaster risk management committee members; weak housing structures, deforestation, and inadequate community sensitisation continue to undermine disaster response efforts.
Senior Chief Kalonga commended the meeting, saying it has provided valuable insights into how the committees should function and the interventions communities can adopt to reduce disaster risks.
“The sensitisation meeting has come at the right time as we approach the rainy season which often results in floods. The knowledge we have gained will be shared with other committee members to ensure we are better prepared for possible disasters,” he said.
He further pledged that chiefs will initiate community sensitisation campaigns to promote interventions.
Salima district disaster risk management officer Gloria Chinangwa said the meeting was convened in response to concerns raised by the chiefs.
“Our aim is to strengthen the capacity of local leaders to manage committees and champion disaster risk reduction initiatives,” she said.
The sensitisation meeting is part of on-going efforts to enhance community-based disaster preparedness and resilience in Salima District. Some of the chiefs who graced the meeting include T/As Kalonga, Pemba, Salima, Mwanza, Makanjira and Kulunda
