Green Cosmo Chief Executive Officer Martin Mulenga has urged Zambians living in flood-prone areas to relocate before the onset of the 2025/2026 rainy season, warning of potential flash floods, disease outbreaks and infrastructure damage.
Mr Mulenga’s remarks follow a ministerial statement delivered in Parliament by Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha, who revealed that the country is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in the upcoming season.
In an interview with ZANIS, Mr Mulenga expressed concern that floods have become a recurring crisis, particularly in vulnerable communities that remain in the same locations year after year.
“In Lusaka’s Kanyama Compound, floods are like traditional ceremonies, an annual event, but people continue to live there,” he observed.
Calling for a multi-sectoral approach, the environmental advocate stressed that climate change impacts are wide-ranging and require collaboration across various sectors.
He urged relevant ministries to begin preparations early to prevent disasters, especially disease outbreaks.
“While it is often said that disasters can’t be fully prepared for, with the information we have now, we can certainly put measures in place to ensure we are not caught off guard,” said Mr Mulenga.
He praised the government for issuing early warnings and emphasized the importance of using weather forecasts for critical planning in sectors such as agriculture, water, energy and health and disaster risk management.
Mr Mulenga also raised concerns over the implementation of the Cash-for-Work programme, which is meant to ensure clear drainage systems in all wards.
He called on councillors and local authorities to ensure accountability and value for money, stressing the need for proper supervision of the work being done.
“The government is spending a lot on the programme, and we must ensure it delivers results,” he stated.
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