By Solister Mogha

Zomba, August 10, Mana: Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Zomba District Council, Precious Kamtsitsi has disclosed that the district is now prepared to handle any disaster that may occur.

Speaking on Friday during the Disaster Risk Management and Disaster Evacuation planning meeting in Liwonde, Kamtsitsi said Zomba is one of the disaster prone districts of the country.

Kamtsitsi said by having the plans in place, it was a testament that the district is ready for any disaster.

He said apart from showing readiness, plans showed how organized the district was.

“Disasters are natural calamities that can happen any time and as a council, we thought it necessary to put plans in place. This is to ensure that when a disaster strikes, there should be a reference document that outlines strategies on how we can deal with that particular situation,” he said.

Kamtsitsi added: “The plan will also help us to mobilize and lobby for support and donors will have an already existing document to refer to incase they want to provide support.”

He said the district will soon start activities of popularizing the plans to ensure every citizen is aware and involved.

“We have a huge task ahead and let’s strive to ensure that we make the two plans known to residents of Zomba,” he said.

Great Munthali who represented the districts Disaster Risk Management Officer said the meeting was crucial as it provided an opportunity for the district to prepare for disasters.

During the meeting which attracted officers from different sectors as well as development partners, a number of resolutions were made including popularization of the plans and involving all players in disasters.