Despite Warnings, Some Refuse to Leave Flood-Prone Island
For medical needs, islanders travel to Mozambique.
NSANJE, Malawi— Some residents of Makhanga Island in Nsanje are refusing to relocate despite the Department of Disaster Management Affairs declaring the area uninhabitable due to flooding risks, an AfricaBrief reporter found during a visit to the island, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
While many residents have moved to Traditional Authority Mbenje in the West Bank or Osiyana in the East Bank as advised, others like Patrick Samson remain on the island solely for farming its fertile lands.
"Yes, DoDMA and government ruled out that all people must move out of the area and most of the majorities have done so," Samson acknowledged.
"However, those relocated have taken Makhanga Island as a place for farming activities."
Samson revealed the relocated residents have no gardens to cultivate crops in their new areas, so they return to the island.
He added markets and businesses are still operating there, making residents feel safe.
For medical needs, islanders travel to Mozambique.
Last month, District Commissioner Dominic Mwandira visited and was assured by residents their presence was only for agricultural purposes. Nsanje District spokesperson Robert Nayeja confirmed the visit.
"Some few households are still at the place who told the DC that they were coming from where they have relocated to ply farming activities," Nayeja said.
He added those unwilling to relocate have pledged to do so once they address outstanding needs. However, they were "strongly advised to move to upland to avoid being washed away by flooding waters."