Malawi Relocates Flood-Prone Islanders
With this season's relocations still underway, DoDMA has worked to drill boreholes and construct access roads at designated sites.
NSANJE, Malawi— Authorities in Malawi’s Nsanje district predict at least half of residents will depart flood-prone Makhanga Island for higher ground by next month as part of a government-backed relocation program, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Patrick Supuni, a disaster management official, said Saturday the resettlement effort launched in November was slated for completion on Dec. 31 but has faced delays tied to land disputes and compensation demands.
A portion of islanders opted to rebuild their homes near the village of Osiyana under Senior Chief Mlolo, while others preferred to settle in areas administered by Traditional Authority Mbenje along Nsanje’s mainland.
“Those unwillingly not to relocate to upper areas from the island will not assisted by DoDMA in case of floods at Makhanga,” Supuni warned, referring to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs.
Makhanga Island in the Shire River floods seasonally amid heavy rainfall. Recent years have seen an influx of international aid for upgrading infrastructure and creating climate resilience after cyclone damage.
With this season's relocations still underway, DoDMA has worked to drill boreholes and construct access roads at designated sites.