Government has prepositioned relief food and essential non-food items in Luapula Province to ensure a swift response to any disasters during the rainy season.
Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama says the move, undertaken through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), is in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive to enhance preparedness and protect lives from impending disasters.
Inspecting the relief supplies stocked at the DMMU warehouse in Mansa disclosed that the province currently has 170 metric tonnes of rice, while 300 metric tonnes of maize have been secured at Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depots in the region.
She added that additional supplies including 50 metric tonnes of beans, cooking oil and other non-food items are expected in the area to further strengthen emergency preparedness.
“All relief supplies must be strictly accounted for and the district leadership should ensure proper security, documentation and acquittal procedures, with beneficiaries signing for every bag distributed in line with DMMU guidelines” Ms Chinama said.
The media reports that Ms Chinama has since urged communities to play their part in disaster prevention by promoting environmental safety, noting that while the season is promising, disasters can occur anytime.
Meanwhile, DMMU Luapula Province Coordinator, Abel Mwape said the province is fully prepared to respond to emergencies, particularly in hard-to-reach districts such as Lunga, Chienge and Milenge.
Mr Mwape revealed that tents have already been positioned in flood-prone areas, while chlorine and granules have been distributed to curb potential cholera outbreaks.
“With this support from the national DMMU management and the Office of the Vice President, Luapula Province is ready to mount a rapid response to any SOS calls,” Mr Mwape said.
