Minister warns of floods, pests, diseases

ZAMBIA is likely to witness high chances of disease burdens to humans, livestock and crops during the 2019/2020 rain season, Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya has warned.

Mr Kafyaya also warned that some parts of the country are likely to experience floods and flash floods that might cause damage to infrastructure. He said this follows indications by the Meteorological Department that the country would receive normal to above normal rainfall during this rain season. The minister said this when he rendered a Ministerial Statement on the 2019/2020 weather rain forecast in Parliament yesterday. “The country may experience damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges and culverts, face increased disease outbreaks such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid and experience outbreaks of agricultural pests such as army worms across the country during this season. He has since advised all stakeholders to take necessary precautions to avoid loss of life and property, should there be any extreme weather event during the rainy season. Mr Kafwaya said there was need for all stakeholders to conduct programmes on good sanitation and hygiene practices. Meanwhile, the minister advised farmers to seek expert guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture on when to plant, what to plant and the general aspect of crop management. “On our part we will continue working hand in hand with the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Energy, Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection and other key stakeholders to ensure the public is kept informed,” he said.