By Tawonga Moyo

Mzuzu, January 24, Mana: Houses belonging to about 35 people in Mzuzu City's Chibavi West Ward have been destroyed, following prolonged rainfall which the city has been experiencing for the past two weeks.

Chibavi West Ward’s councilor Gabriel Mwaungulu disclosed this on Wednesday and added that he is currently discussing with block leaders and members of the disaster ward protection committee, as the magnitude of the damage is being assessed.

“We are still assessing the situation on the ground to determine the exact number of the affected households, but, so far, I can confirm that close to seven houses have been destroyed,” said Mwaungulu.

Meanwhile, Mwaungulu has expressed worry on whether the affected households will receive help any time soon, claiming that the current system which Mzuzu City Council uses in responding disaster survivors is not favorable.  

“Each time there is a disaster, the disaster desk office at the council gives us conditions which are very questionable. For instance, they say that they can only come in when the affected households have reached a certain number.

“This is very unfortunate, because we expect assistance without attached conditions as such incidents affect lives of people,” said Mwaungulu.

He further said when last year’s floods occurred, those whose houses were built near riverbanks offered to relocate themselves if the council could provide them with land, a thing which he alleged was not fulfilled.

In his remarks, Disaster Desk Officer for the city's council, Precious Mandala, said his office has not yet received any disaster related report, and that if there will be any, the council won’t hesitate to offer assistance.

“The Department of Disaster Management Affairs supports any council with relief items once a report of damages is made and so far, we are yet to receive formal report of cases of flooding within our jurisdiction,” said Mandala.

Mandala then disputed Mwaungulu’s allegations that the council never provides land in times of disasters for the evacuation of survivors.

He said the council provides temporary housing units and that there have always been mixed reactions on the relocation subject.

“When the council gives safe land to the survivors, many are adamant and argue that they are poor and cannot afford to buy land from the council. Some also say that they cannot leave their custom parcels of land,” he said.