By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe, July 31, Mana: Army Geospatial Center (AGC) High Resolution Three Dimensional (HR3D) program also known as BuckEye in Malawi which deployed a Beech King Air B350 to Lilongwe, Malawi in May this year has successfully mapped the country with 90 percent.

U.S government Lead for the HR3D program Jason Steers disclosed this on Wednesday in Lilongwe during a press briefing where Steers said the program has successfully mapped the country by providing detailed information instrumental for disaster risk management, infrastructure modernization and Agricultural development among other strategic initiatives.

“This advanced aircraft, equipped with state of the art geospatial surveying technology, marks a significant step forward in our collaborative efforts to enhance disaster management capabilities in Malawi.

“The high level of detail provided by the mapping significantly enhances shared understanding of the terrain through digital imaging which enables improved decision making for time sensitive response and large scale projects,” Steers said.

He said this collective approach underscores their dedication in supporting sustainable development and improving well-being of communities throughout Africa.

United States (U.S) Embassy in Malawi Charge D’Affairs, Amy Diaz said advanced geospatial mapping has a transformative role in enhancing disaster preparedness and supporting Malawi’s Vision 2063 development goals.

“The imagery, the BuckEye program compiles during their time in Malawi will be passed on in its entirety to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs for use in areas such as hazard assessment, improving early warning systems, optimizing resource management and informing recovery planning,” Diaz said.

She also said the data for disaster preparedness management will be a lifeline that will enable Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and communities to anticipate, mitigate and respond effectively to disasters.

In his comment, Department of Disaster Management Affairs Commissioner, Charles Kalemba said the department was previously lacking data to assist them in mapping the country’s topography and this prompted them to request this initiative from US government.

“We operationalised the new law and it requires that we do hazard map which helps in mapping the country in terms of risk areas, so we know how to locate places of high risk or not, regarding people living there.

“Now you cannot make these decisions without data. So we had requested the U.S Embassy to assist us and be able to map the country so that we are able to know the topography and geophysical setup of the country,” Kalemba said.

He said U.S government donated US$1 million to implement the initiative.