HEED FLOODS WARNING

THAT 58 districts in Zambia will be affected by floods is chilling information which should thrust citizens, relief agencies and Government into pragmatic action.

Firstly, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) ought to forge partnerships with other organisations and units to prepare for relocation of affected residents.

The DMMU should also mobilise sufficient relief food. It will be ideal for the DMMU, the councils and other organisations to identify and prepare safer places before the relocation exercise could start for residents in floodprone areas.

This is a mammoth national exercise which will require all citizens to unite and confront the ‘elephant in the room’ with utmost zeal.

Yes, the simplest explanation for the expected floods is heavy rainfall, perhaps, caused by climate change.

In the urban areas, the flooding may be worse because systems designed to move rainwater into appropriate basins and reservoirs have either been blocked or they do not exist.

In some cases, appropriate infrastructure is there but, there will be need to plan for the possible water run-off.

Many developers in Lusaka have embellished their premises with concrete and other impermeable surface materials, a situation which will worsen flooding during this season.

Additionally, the drainage basins are made of concrete and there is no ground for water to sink into.

Therefore, when such drainage basins fill up, flooding worsens especially in low-lying areas.

Areas near rivers and dams will particularly be gravely affected as the water bodies would burst and cause severe flooding.

Therefore, multiple and controlled pathways for water will need to be established while reinforcement should be done on some dams that have shown signs of giving in.

For farmers, it will be prudent for them to create drainage on their fields to avoid water collection and worsening floods.

Last farming season, many fields in Chinsali, Mbesuma, Kasama and surrounding areas were severely flooded after the Chambishi River burst its banks.

In Kitwe, too, the Kafue River burst its banks causing severe floods in Iupusukilo, Bulangililo, Mufuchani and other settlements; crops and houses were destroyed.

With an early warning, these areas should prepare adequately for a worse scenario!

Already, Chawama, Kuku, Kalikiliki, Kanyama and other high-populated townships in Lusaka are getting overwhelmed with floods.

This is no time to start apportioning blame, but time to work together to avoid the worst catastrophe in the nation.

In fact, a permanent solution is required.

The local authorities and the department of physical planning must work together and improve city and town planning.

Zambia has been plagued with illegal and haphazard settlements in many areas, mainly caused by corrupt officials in councils and Ministry of Lands.

The irony is that people have put up buildings at great cost in reserve areas, but hold legal and valid documents either from the Ministry of Land or the councils.

Mansions have sprouted in reserve areas that were meant to be aquifer: a water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or grave meant to drain water from the surface.

Floods must be avoided at all costs!