By Brenda Kayo:
Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Charles Kalemba has disclosed that the new disaster risk management law has not been operationalised.
The law guides stakeholders that implement programmes and activities related to disasters.
“We have started preparing for the next season and we will communicate when the Act will be in force once the date is gazetted,” he said.
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The Disaster Risk Management Act focuses on disaster preparation and prevention unlike the existing law, which focuses on activities to be undertaken after disaster has struck.
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The bill also focuses on the creation of a Disaster Risk Management Fund, which will ensure that funds are available for use in times of disaster.
On his part, Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change Chairperson Werani Chilenga said the bill would be put in force after they finalise working on guidelines.
“Yes, it is true that, soon after they finalise the guidelines, the bill will be put in force,” Chilenga said.
Meanwhile, Coordinator for Civil Society Network for Climate Change Julius Ngoma has bemoaned delays to finalise work on the guidelines.
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The bill was passed in April this year, just a month after Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit Southern Region districts in the country.
