Dodma calls for mindset change
Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (Dodma) commissioner Charles Kalemba has urged all stakeholders in disaster management in Chikwawa District to switch from handouts to preparedness and risk reduction.
The official told Chikwawa District Civil Protection Committee members on Monday when he appreciated disaster risk reduction interventions and the state of preparedness for the 2021/22 rainy season.
Kalemba said it was sad government and non-governmental organisations are pumping in a lot of money for response and recovery instead of preparedness and risk reduction.
He said the tendency has made people, especially those in flood-prone areas, to feel at ease.
Said Kalemba: “Meteorological Department focused the same as last year. The question is: What is our contingency plan? Do we still plan to provide handouts to the people affected?”
He said responding after disaster was retrogressive, but what is needed is to prepare well.
Malawi Red Cross Society Chikwawa district coordinator Yasinta Namacha said the message was clear.
She said development will enable various stakeholders to bring mitigation measures to reduce risks of disaster-related issues.
Namacha asked other stakeholders to start implementing mitigation measures as the rainy season is fast approaching.
Chikwawa District Council director of planning and development Thokozile Ngwira said the council and all stakeholders would ensure that what the commissioner said should be followed and put into account.
