The Department of Disaster Risk Management has concluded a Zambezi Flood After-Action Review that looked into the response to floods in the region and identified areas of future disaster preparedness and response.

During the review, the delegation visited schools previously affected by flooding in Kabbe, where earthworks are now underway to raise school grounds.

Director of Disaster Risk Management Helen Likando explained.

“I am truly grateful to see that this project has finally taken off. It is one of the key priorities in building resilience. We have been relocating communities in these areas for years, and this initiative dates back to around 2013, when one of the proposed measures to strengthen resilience was to elevate these schools."

Nakuntwe Combined School principal Oliver Mubiana raised concerns regarding the relocation of learners during flood periods.

“There was mainly a problem with accommodation, as the camp was not suitable for hosting people. There were no ablution facilities, so teachers and learners had to use those at Schuckmannsburg, which posed a major challenge. There were also difficulties with food and other essential supplies. Furthermore, there were no parents present to look after the children. We had learners as young as pre-primary level, and it was difficult to ensure that they received the care and supervision they needed.”

Mpukano Primary School Principal Joseph Mbeha highlighted that floods and relocation of classrooms have destroyed school furniture.

About 40% of learners at Nakuntwe Combined School missed lessons, and 90% at Mpukano Primary School in the second semester.

World Food Head of Programmes, Gloria Kamwi stressed that resistance to relocation might also be linked to trust between communities and schools.

Kamwi also emphasised the importance of engaging parents early, particularly when dealing with children between the ages of six and twelve, to give families sufficient time to prepare for the relocation.