PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has assured that the government will relocate and compensate flood victims that have built on water ways to pave way for the long-term construction solutions.
Speaking when he toured flood affected areas in Lusaka on Wednesday, President Hichilema noted that the government’s first priority is to save lives followed by rectifying the long overdue flood situation in Lusaka.
“Everyone that has built on waterways will be removed and well compensated, there is no politics, what we want is development,” he noted.
The Head of State emphasised that the government is well prepared to create water reservoirs that can be used in the dry season.
“Engineers must not be sitting, we shall not fail as God has availed knowledge to us, we shall redirect the current situation to create a long-lastingsolution,” said President Hichilema.
He has since directed the Zambia National Service (ZNS), to construct the Ngombe- Ngwerere bridge that was washed away by floods.
President Hichilema further called for unity of purpose by government line ministries as well as stakeholders in developing Lusaka, noting that there is need to learn from Egypt who are the best in water and drainage construction.
The Head of State who sympathised with flood victims offered his message of condolences on behalf of the government and people of Zambia to families that may have lost their loved ones due to the recent floods.
President Hichilema said the government is also cognizant that Zambia experienced drought the previous season adding that on the other hand the government is grateful for the rains that represents a good harvest.
He has since urged all local leaders such as area Members of Parliament, councillors, among others to treat everyone the same regardless of their political affiliation noting that Zambia is one.
President Hichilema has since thanked all Non-Governmental Organisations as well as government stakeholders that are offering humanitarian aid such as DMMU and the Red Cross Society of Zambia among others.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that resources are made available for such situations.
“We will run with your instructions Mr President to ensure that we put people’s lives as a priority on saving lives as we are already doing,” he said.
Earlier, Lusaka Provincial Minister Sheal Mulyata attributed the President’s prompt tour to good leadership by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Ms Mulyata said in as much as the flood challenges are devastating in Lusaka district, other parts of Lusaka Province have also been affected such as Lungwa.
She added that the government will find solutions for victims such as relocating families to more suitable homes from the current camps they are being sheltered in.
And Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) Coordinator,Norman Chipakupaku said there is need for a holistic approach in solving the flood challenges.
He has since thanked all partners such as the Red Cross Society of Zambiaand other stakeholders who have always been ready to compliment government efforts.
