The Communications Specialist for the Program Horace Nyaka was speaking in Nsanje after touring construction of drifts and dykes along Thangadzi and Nafwafwa rivers which are designed to prevent future flooding.

Nyaka noted that it was encouraging to see communities taking ownership of the projects.

He said community empowerment has enhanced accountability and management to enhance accountability within the projects being implemented.

“The actual construction is taking place and we are providing cellphones, megaphones and bicycles so that they can communicate and move about, warning others of an impending flood,” explained Nyaka.

He said the government of Malawi through the Shire River Basin Management has spent over K1 billion on the flood risk management program to ensure that the projects are a success.

Earlier, in 2015, the program spent over K300 million to provide relief and shelter to people that were affected by the flood and also helped in the construction of the Nchalo bridge that had been washed away.