Three representatives of the House of Chiefs have expressed their desire to join government in disaster management including the fight against the COVID-19.
Chairperson for the House of Chiefs Chief Kaputa, accompanied by Chief Chibesakunda and Chief Chipepo announced this during a meeting with Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe.
Chief Kaputa said there is need for the traditional leadership to join government in the management of disasters even beyond the COVID-19 to ensure safety and wellbeing of subjects.
And Chief Chibesakunda said it is important to intensify community based disaster risk management in every Chiefdom, hence the need for traditional leaders to come on board.
The Chiefs said that their Chiefdoms which have been ravaged by floods are also at risk of the COVID-19 and therefore the need for cooperation with the DMMU.
Meanwhile Chief Chipepo called on leaders to correct myths surrounding the pandemic and disseminate awareness messages in the rural areas.
And DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe said government acknowledges the important role played by traditional leaders in disaster management and will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding with them to conduct risk communication in climate change risk areas.
He added that despite some parts of the country being affected by the COVID-19, it is important to realize that there are still more hazards affecting communities such as floods that need to be responded to.
Mr. Kabwe disclosed that government through DMMU has been responding to floods in 47 districts and has so far distributed approximately 115,000 bags of mealie meal to the affected households in addition to tents and other food requirements.
Mr. Kabwe further reiterated the need to support health personnel and adhere to all the directives given by President Edgar Lungu in preventing further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why are they expressing desire? they should be at the forefront. These people are governors in their own right. Please eductate them about this virus so that they are better informed. They need to be on high alert on scrupulous individuals posing as medical doctors from overseas coming to vaccinate their subjects for some lab experiment in Europe.
Wht can they do? Hv they consulted Chitimukulu’s Council of Paramount Chiefs supported by Hyde Haguta and Boniface Cheembe?
HH donating meat to health workers every week, plus more stuffs
We call that patriotism.
Useless chiefs instead of asking government to reopen prime TV,but them are busy talking trash’s, leave that works to the trained doctors, don’t dalute the system
No need to ask, just start educating your subjects. Then talk to government. This thing respects no person.
They are just there for themselves and their selfish interests. Who are they waiting for to compel them, does convid-19 need any compulsion in the fight against it. Why not go ahead and act? Anyway continue in your desiring mode until this thing hits you hard.