Empowering Communities in Lilongwe for Climate Resilience: CCODE Launches Community-Led Project
This initiative aims to empower communities in Chinsapo and Mtandire to withstand climate-induced disasters and enhance overall community resilience.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Centre for Community Organisation and Development (CCODE) officially launched a community-led Resilience building program on Wednesday in Chinsapo, Lilongwe, writes Bridgette Mwanoka.
This initiative aims to empower communities in Chinsapo and Mtandire to withstand climate-induced disasters and enhance overall community resilience.
The project, funded by DESWOS, a German-based housing association with a budget of 60 million kwacha, will span a pilot phase of 15 months.
During this time, CCODE plans to restore drainages, install bridges, and culverts, and undertake various infrastructure projects to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flash floods.
The Executive Director of CCODE, Zilire Luka, expressed the organization's commitment to the project's objectives, stating, "The pilot phase...will restore drainages, install bridges and culverts to improve water flow, and reduce the risk of flash floods, among others."
Beyond physical infrastructure improvements, the project will also enable communities to advocate for better infrastructure projects that can mitigate the effects of climate change.
Additionally, it will work towards enhancing land tenure security, promoting environmental protection, and establishing early warning systems to avert disasters.
The project's foundation lies in the Lilongwe ward profile, which was produced in collaboration with the Lilongwe City Council and local NGOs. Communities have actively participated in setting priorities, and this project has emerged from their specific needs and challenges.
CCODE, in partnership with the Federation, will assist communities in effective planning and tailoring infrastructure projects to address the unique challenges faced by each locality.
The Mayor of the City of Lilongwe, Councillor Richard Banda, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in complementing the government's efforts.
"It is in our plan to promote economic development and the social welfare of people by prioritising involvement in maintaining and upgrading the road network, including bridges in various locations," he stated.
Highlighting the urgency of the project, Ward Councillor for Chinsapo 1, Mtimwenenge Mhango, noted that the bridges in the area often become impassable during the rainy season, underscoring the pressing need for improved infrastructure.
With the launch of this community-led Resilience building program, CCODE and its partners are taking a significant step towards creating climate-resilient communities in Lilongwe.
This initiative not only promises to enhance infrastructure but also empowers locals to actively contribute to their own welfare and safety in the face of climate-induced challenges.