CTPD Calls for Urgent Action to Prevent Flooding Amid Predicted Heavy Rains
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has called on the Zambian government to implement urgent measures to mitigate the risks associated with the anticipated above-average rainfall during the upcoming 2024/2025 rainy season.
According to Mr. Solomon Mwampikita, a researcher on Climate Change and Environment at CTPD, the expected transition from El Niño to La Niña could lead to significant challenges, including flooding and an increased risk of waterborne diseases, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“The potential shift to La Niña will bring about the usual challenges, such as flooding and heightened risks of waterborne diseases, which have disproportionately burdened poor communities in past years,” Mr. Mwampikita stated.
While the increased rainfall could benefit sectors like hydroelectricity production and agriculture, Mr. Mwampikita emphasized the need for proactive measures to address the associated risks.
He cited the heavy rains of early 2023, which affected over 154,000 people across nine provinces, as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by excessive rainfall.
Mr. Mwampikita highlighted several factors contributing to the persistent flooding issues in Zambia, including inadequate infrastructure. “The lack of proper drainage systems and bridges in underdeveloped communities consistently leads to flooding during heavy rains. Despite this recurring problem, government efforts have not sufficiently addressed the core issues, allowing flooding to become an annual challenge,” he said.
Additionally, he noted that many communities lack early warning systems, leaving them unprepared for severe weather events.
In response, CTPD is urging the government to invest in advanced technology and human resources to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and early warnings.
Mr. Mwampikita stressed the importance of constructing and maintaining essential infrastructure, such as drainage systems, dams, and bridges, to reduce flooding risks in vulnerable areas.
Furthermore, CTPD is calling for strengthened disaster preparedness, including the allocation of sufficient resources to develop and implement comprehensive disaster preparedness plans.
These plans should include evacuation procedures and emergency shelters, which are crucial not only for managing floods but also for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, which has frequently impacted many areas during the rainy season.
The CTPD continues to advocate for pro-poor trade and investment reforms that address the needs of vulnerable communities and promote sustainable development in Zambia.
