Karonga District Council has commended the construction of an evacuation centre at Chambogho in Senior Chief Wasambo’s area, describing it as a major boost to disaster preparedness and response for vulnerable communities in the district.
The facility, constructed under the Climate Just Communities (CJC) project being implemented by the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) under Karonga Diocese, is expected to provide safe temporary shelter to communities affected by floods and other natural disasters.
Principal Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi, said the evacuation centre will enhance the district’s capacity to protect lives during emergencies.
“This evacuation centre is a timely intervention because Chilumba and surrounding areas are highly prone to flooding. Having a permanent and well-equipped shelter means communities will no longer be exposed to unnecessary risks during disasters,” Magalasi said.
He added that communities will no longer rely on school blocks, which have been used as temporary evacuation centres and that this practice has been disrupting learning.
Climate Just Communities team leader Ken Matekenya said the project has been successful and has made a significant impact on strengthening disaster preparedness in the area.
He said the construction of the evacuation centre reflects the project’s commitment to building resilience among communities vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
The project is funded by the Scottish Government through DAI Global UK, with CADECOM implementing the Climate Just Communities initiative.
The programme is benefiting about 2,538 households across 21 Village Development Committees in Senior Chief Wasambo’s area.
