Acting President, Mutale Nalumango has called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to assist Zambia in dealing with the impacts of the drought that has severely affected livelihoods.
Speaking when IMF Mission Chief for Zambia, Mercedes Martin called on her in Lusaka, Mrs Nalumango stated that Zambia needs about US$900 million worth of support to help mitigate the crisis.
She revealed that there is about 28.3 million Kwacha available for the cause from the national budget which will not be able to sustain the impacts.
The acting President stated that 84 districts have so far been affected with more reports of damages being received.
She said that Zambia needs humanitarian support from everyone including the global community in different forms including food, safe and clean water both for humans and Livestock, health and irrigation.
Mrs Nalumango was hopeful with the IMF mission team in Zambia to assess the impacts of the droughts will result in the needed humanitarian response.
“We have been hit to a point where the drought has been declared a disaster and our capabilities from the budget cannot sustain the impact,” Mrs Nalumango said.
She stated that the government is committed to collaborate with every stakeholder in society to help mitigate the crisis.
She said that the country needs to do better in terms of preparations to avoid the severe impacts that are currently being experienced.
Mrs Nalumango acknowledged the IMF for its financial support stating that Zambia has been challenged with unpredictable problems that took the country away from the plans.
She noted the need for a stronger system of early warning, to help plan for future disaster occurrences.
And IMF Mission Chief for Zambia, Mercedes Martin was saddened by the drought impacts on humanity reported in Zambia.
Ms Martin disclosed that the IMF is working with other partners with the bilateral and multilateral community to see how additional financing can be mobilised to support Zambia.
She said that the humanitarian impacts of the droughts need to be addressed immediately within the discussions of the revised 2024 budget.
“We have been looking at several statistics and this is the year of lowest rainfall in the Southern African region, you are prone to shocks of climate change,” said Ms Martins.
She added that the drought is temporary and with the existing stronger collaboration with government, and stakeholders, the impacts will be addressed.
Ms Martin said that the IMF sees Zambia’s future with a stronger prospect for economic growth.
She also requested for a regional report with other countries facing similar challenges for a targeted response to help in mobilising food for the SADC region.
Ms Martin was accompanied by IMF Resident Representative, Eric Lautuer.
