Government has disbursed 1.9 million Kwacha, the first batch of rental relief money to flood victims in selected parts of Lusaka District.
3.7 million Kwacha is the total budget meant for the relocation of over 600 residents from selected parts of Lusaka who have been affected by the floods.
Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Zulu, with a team from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) have started the process of paying rental relief money with a call for prudent utilization of the resources.
Speaking yesterday when she addressed the flood victims in Kanyama Ms. Zulu explained that the rental relief was among other measures that the government has put in place to ensure that affected families have a conducive place to stay.
Ms. Zulu added that while governments is working on finding a lasting solution to the problem, those whose houses are still in water should move to decent and habitable houses further, urging the victims not to divert the money to other things.
“Following his tour to affected constituencies, President Hakainde Hichilema got concerned with the situation and that is why he gave a directive to ensure that those that have been greatly affected by floods are given rental relief and relocated,” she said.
DMMU Regional Coordinator for Lusaka Province Kangachepe Zulu said DMMU is affecting the Presidential directive to relocate affected households.
Mr. Zulu cited Kanyama, Chawama, Kabwata and Munali as the constituencies that DMMU is assisting with rental relief monies.
“ This is one among many other interventions that DMMU has been undertaking over the period that Lusaka has been hit by floods.
Mr. Zulu commended other actors who have been proactive such as the Fire Brigade , Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation, and the Lusaka City Council for working with DMMU to provide anti flooding interventions.
Meanwhile, Kanyama Member of Parliament Monty Chinkuli expressed gratitude to government for coming to the aid of the flood victims.
Mr. Chinkuli advised those who received the money to ensure that they use it for the intended purpose instead of diverting it to other things.
He said it is because the government is concerned for the well-being of its citizens, hence the step to ensure that those badly affected are relocated to decent places to avoid diseases as some houses are still flooded.
“We are grateful to the Government for assisting the flood victims,” said Mr. Chinkuli.
Last month during his visit to the flooded areas in Lusaka, President Hichilema said the Government will ensure that flood victims received the needed assistance.