New Dawn Government Announces Robust Measures in Face of EL-NINO Crisis

By Mumbi Kalimba Kaseshya.

President Hakainde Hichilema took to the podium at State House to address the nation on the profound impact of the EL-NINO weather phenomenon. His comprehensive speech covered the effects of this natural occurrence and outlined strategic actions planned by the New Dawn Government to tackle the emerging challenges.

Under the authority of the Disaster Management Act Number 13, President Hichilema declared the EL-NINO phenomenon a national disaster and emergency. This declaration extends its reach to 84 out of 116 districts, encompassing areas such as Lusaka, Central, Southern, Copperbelt, Western, and parts of Northwestern.

The dry spell associated with EL-NINO has wreaked havoc on the nation’s agricultural landscape, with approximately one million hectares of the estimated 2.2 million planted land now laid to waste. This catastrophe has not only impacted ground and surface water but has also disrupted pastures for livestock and wildlife, raising concerns about potential human-animal conflicts and disease outbreaks.

The repercussions extend to the energy sector, where a looming deficit of about 450 megawatts, potentially extending to 550 megawatts, threatens the mining and agriculture sectors. In response, the New Dawn Government is actively collaborating with stakeholders to devise effective strategies to address the multifaceted challenges stemming from the dry spell.

President Hichilema outlined a set of short-term measures, including redirecting resources for humanitarian relief, promoting alternative energy sources, and importing and rationing power. Additionally, the government plans to implement bylaws targeting individuals contributing to environmental deterioration, such as bush burning.

In the long term, the government aims to expand the Agriculture Credit Window, reallocate resources, accelerate the development of alternative energy sources, enhance water harvest investment, and invest in drought-resistant crops.

To combat the adverse effects of the dry spell, the Defense Forces have been directed to increase food production, while the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is tasked with enhancing community sales of the country’s major food source, maize. The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services is called upon to strengthen social support programs in affected areas.

President Hichilema also issued a plea to local and international partners to provide excess food to aid affected communities. He stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in resource use, warning that any misuse of resources will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

In a closing remark, President Hichilema acknowledged the inevitability of natural disasters but emphasized the collective power to mitigate their negative effects through concerted efforts. The nation remains resilient in the face of adversity, with the New Dawn Government committed to navigating through these challenging times.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of Melo Media Zambia.