Through the Shire River Basin Management Program, village committees at Fatima in the area of Traditional Authority Mlolo and other parts have received wheelbarrows, shovels, loud speakers and even cell phones for communication during floods.

Communications Specialist for the Shire River Basin Management Program Horace Nyaka, said the East Bank is the most affected area when it comes to flooding each year.

“We are working with the communities to mitigate flood effects. The program has distributed items that will help them prepare for what we call the “Early Warning Systems” which are important elements for communication. In the event of flashfloods, the other tools will enable them move out of this place quickly,” explained Nyaka.

He added that the hand tools were very important as people will be able to redirect water if flash floods occur and this will prevent the water from going into the villages and destroying their settlements.

The distribution of these items compliment the construction of dykes and drifts in the East Bank to control the flow of water during floods.