By Mervin Namikungulu

Machinga, April 13, Mana: Government has assured people of Mangochi and surrounding areas that it is closely monitoring water level situation in Lake Malawi and Shire River through Kamuzu Barrage amid heavy downpour in recent days.

The assurance comes following an appeal from concerned people from Mangochi asking government to consider increasing the volume of water which passes through the barrage as it is believed to contribute to flash floods in the area.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting on Friday after an inspection tour of the barrage, Commissioner for Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Charles Kalemba, said the barrage is managed to control water flow which affects upper stream of Shire River, lakeshore areas and downstream areas of Nsanje and Chikwawa.

Kalemba refuted claims that the barrage is sometimes closed or reduces its capacity to control water flow.

He said: "The barrage operates using an automatic software which is computer based. So, when water levels change, the machines detect and sounds an alarm. It is not true that the barrage is sometimes closed."

Mangochi concerned citizens chairperson, Councilor Wellington Mangulenje, has commended government for timely addressing their concerns.

Mangulenje appealed for collective efforts in conserving the environment to minimize devastating effects of climate change.

Currently, water levels in Lake Malawi and Shire River are said to be at 476.3 mm which is slightly below the 477mm highest recorded water levels.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretaries in the ministries of Lands, Local Government, Natural Resources, Water, representatives from DoDMA, District Commissioners for Mangochi and Machinga, Mangochi concerned grouping as well as district council officials, among others.