Flashfloods continue to affect more people at Katima Mulilo as heavy rains persist and malaria cases surge in the Zambezi Region.

Sixty-one households have been relocated to temporary shelters since the beginning of the year.

The number is expected to rise as the rain persists.

Those relocated to a temporary shelter at the Dairy location raised concerns over a lack of sanitation, safety issues and difficulties in trying to survive.

“Some of us used to survive from a piece of work; we cannot even walk long distances to go look for food to provide for our children. Once you leave the tent, you will find your belongings are gone; people are busy stealing. We are not safe here. Toilets and water – the town council must also provide us with a tank of water,” a resident, Selma Ipinge, stressed.

“The tents are in a state of disrepair. One night, individuals entered a resident's tent and attacked; they intended to steal because we lack proper accommodation,” another resident, Benedict Kachiwolma, remarked.

The Katima Mulilo Deputy Mayor, Charity Matongo-Mabuku, said they were looking into the provision of ablution facilities and security guards.

She, however, raised concern that individuals continue to go back to their homes.

Matongo-Mabuku assured the residents that the council and the regional council are addressing the matter and lobbied the private sector to come on board.

Those who have been relocated are also in need of mosquito nets.

“We are asking what they think of us; all of us are at risk of malaria. We are seeking assistance of at least mosquito nets, for the sake of the children. Since relocating from the dairy, we do not have mosquito nets; we are suffering,” another resident, Chaze Mwilima, added.

Matongo-Mabuku assured residents that the ministry has since engaged with the health ministry.

“We are going to make follow-ups as to when they are going to make provisions of these mosquito nets. They have also been requested to visit these camps that were created, so that they can run malaria tests, because there are already two incidents of malaria cases. “

About 23,640 malaria cases have been reported countrywide between late December last year and early this month.

The majority of those were recorded at Katima Mulilo, at about 6,140 cases and seven deaths.