DMMU RESPONDS TO LUNDAZI FLOODS.

 

The National Coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), Mr. Norman Chipakupaku, accompanied by Zambia National Service (ZNS) Deputy Commander, Major General Reuben Mwewa, has conducted an aerial and ground assessment of the flooding situation in Lundazi District.

The assessment was undertaken to establish the full extent of the damage to households and critical public infrastructure and to guide appropriate and timely response interventions.

Following the assessments, the team was briefed by the Lundazi District Commissioner, Ms. Majory Banda, who is also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC).

Preliminary findings indicate that approximately 250 houses have collapsed, while an additional 50 houses are submerged.

In total, about 300 households have been affected, with several families displaced.

Critical infrastructure, including bridges, a water treatment plant, and a dam, has sustained significant damage. The floods have also affected school infrastructure at two learning institutions within the district.

Mr. Chipakupaku assured the people of Lundazi that Government will urgently attend to the damaged infrastructure to restore normalcy.

He commended the DDMC for conducting swift and detailed assessments, which have been critical in informing Government’s response actions.

To address the disruption in water supply caused by damage to the water treatment plant, DMMU will drill three (3) new boreholes and equip two (2) additional boreholes to ensure a sustainable supply of safe drinking water.

In the interim, water bowsers have been deployed to supply clean and safe water to affected communities. These measures are aimed at preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera.

DMMU has further assured affected residents that relief assistance will be provided.

This includes food support such as locally sourced mealie meal and other food essentials, as well as non-food items including blankets, chlorine, tents, and temporary shelter for displaced households.

On the status of damaged bridges, Major General Mwewa stated that Mwase and Mpamba Bridges have been prioritised for urgent rehabilitation due to their strategic importance.

The collapse of Mwase Bridge has cut off access to approximately four health facilities, while damage to Mpamba Bridge along the Lundazi Road has isolated a large section of the population from the central business area.

He indicated that rehabilitation works, involving backfilling and installation of an Acrow Bridge, are expected to be completed within five (5) days.

ZNS has already deployed a tipper truck and an excavator to commence the works.

Major General Mwewa further stated that that the damaged section of the bleached Dam will also be attended to urgently by ZNS to mitigate further risk to surrounding communities.

Mr. Chipakupaku emphasised that flooding is not unique to Lundazi District, noting that several other parts of the country are experiencing similar challenges.

He reiterated that Government is responding in a coordinated manner to protect lives and livelihoods and confirmed that DMMU is also responding to flooding incidents reported in neighbouring Lumezi District, which lies downstream.

The National Coordinator appealed to members of the public to remain calm, adhere to guidance from authorities, and refrain from politicising disasters, stressing that emergencies require unity and collective responsibility.

DMMU will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as interventions progress.

This is according to a statement issued by DMMU Senior Communications Officer Mathews Musukwa.