Chief's Sacrifice Provides Safe Haven for Flood-Affected People in Samson Village, Chikwawa District
Chief Makhwira's selfless actions bring solace to Samson Village after years of floods , writes Moses Thole.
CHIKWAWA, Malawi - After years of enduring devastating floods, the people of Samson Village under Traditional Authority Makhwira in Chikwawa district can finally find solace, thanks to their chief's selfless actions, writes Moses Thole.
Village Headman Samson sold his livestock to purchase a new piece of land, creating a secure settlement for his subjects, and shielding them from the annual floods that have plagued the area.
Boyce Kansire, a member of the Samson community who has relocated to the new settlement, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We failed to relocate to safer places due to financial limitations. We shared our problems with our traditional leaders and officials of Chikwawa district council, but that proved futile. We are now delighted to move from this disaster-prone area to safer and higher ground, all thanks to our village head, Samson, who has sacrificed his wealth for his people."
The decision to relocate stems from the harrowing experiences the village has faced in recent years. In 2019, Cyclone Idai triggered floods that claimed the lives of over 10 people in the village.
The community was once again struck by Cyclone Gombe in 2021, resulting in the loss of over 20 lives.
The recurring disasters prompted an urgent need for a safer habitat.
Morris Mikithayo, another resident of Samson Village, expressed his relief, stating, "At some point in my life, I spent 2 days in a mango tree because my compound was flooded in 2021 due to cyclone Gombe. There was no food to eat, as everything had been washed away. Other communities that were living at Chagambatuka Camp within the area were affected by waterborne diseases such as cholera. Some of our people with disabilities, children, and the elderly were washed away during Cyclone Gombe."
Village Head Samson explained his decision, saying, "I decided to buy the land, which is at a safer distance, because we have been facing a problem of floods each year. I fear that one day we will all be swept away by floods, and there will be no village left."
He also revealed plans to acquire additional hectares of land for the relocation of people from Champhanda and Mazongoza, who are currently residing in a water-surrounded area.
With 120 households already settled in the new village since the relocation in January 2021, the district's Department of Disaster Management Affairs has expressed support for Chief Samson's vision. Humphrey Malagasi, the district's disaster officer, stated, "We will work closely with Village Head Samson to achieve his dreams of relocating the other villages. The council has already distributed tents and foodstuffs to those facing financial challenges in constructing their own houses."
The chief's determination and assistance from the District Council, NGOs, and other well-wishers provide hope for the realisation of a safer future for these flood-affected communities.