KALABA CALLS ON PRESIDENT HH TO DECLARE NATIONAL DISASTER AMID FLOODS
Citizens First Party President, Harry Kalaba, has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to cut short his ongoing trip to Egypt and return home to address the severe flooding crisis in Kanyama, Lusaka. The heavy rains have continued to wreak havoc across most parts of the country, leaving many communities submerged and in distress.
Mr. Kalaba stressed the urgent need for President Hichilema to declare the Kanyama floods a national disaster, a move he believes would trigger the mobilization of critical aid and relief assistance for the affected residents. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Mr. Kalaba painted a grim picture of the current situation, emphasizing that immediate government intervention is essential to prevent further suffering.
The opposition leader’s plea comes amid growing concerns from health experts who warn of an impending health crisis. The heavy flooding has reportedly led to the contamination of drinking water with sewage, raising the risk of a surge in gastrointestinal diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Mr. Kalaba cautioned that the unchecked spread of waterborne illnesses could result in significant loss of life if swift measures are not taken.
In his address, Mr. Kalaba criticized the government’s response to the floods, arguing that the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) must accelerate its efforts not only in Kanyama but also in other flood-affected regions. He highlighted the importance of coordinated disaster response strategies, pointing out that delayed action would only worsen the plight of those already struggling with the aftermath of the floods.
Furthermore, Mr. Kalaba drew historical comparisons to the catastrophic floods of 1978 under the late President Kenneth Kaunda, reminding the nation of the devastating consequences that follow inaction during natural disasters. He warned that failure to act swiftly could plunge the country into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, with long-term social and economic ramifications.
As the rains persist, Mr. Kalaba’s call for immediate and decisive leadership echoes the growing public outcry for solutions. Many Zambians are looking to their leaders for reassurance and concrete steps to mitigate the ongoing disaster. With thousands at risk of disease and displacement, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.
By Peter Zunda Jr
