Mulanje develops disaster response plan
Stakeholders in Mulanje have come up with a disaster preparedness plan of action to improve response and ease problems that arise in times of disasters.
The action plan was discussed during a meeting organised by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DfID) on Thursday to map out an action plan for the district.
early this year
DfID humanitarian adviser Paul O’hagan said they went on the ground to learn from the stakeholders on their preparedness to natural disasters.
“DfID being the largest donor in terms of disaster relief aid in the country, believes in giving people voices to be heard.
“So, coming here has been of great importance because we have heard how the stakeholders would want things to be run in terms of preparing for and responding to natural disasters that may occur in the district.
“This will help us in deciding how funds should be allocated to make sure the plans that they have indeed materialise.”
The stakeholders, among other things, suggested an improvement in government extension services, promotion of drought resistant crops and enhancement of community preparedness for disasters.
Mulanje district director of planning and development Humphreys Gondwe said this would go a long way in helping people of the district in times of disasters like floods. n
