By Lauryn M’banga

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba says the construction of the Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) in various parts of the country, is a key investment in disaster risk management.

Speaking as he presided over the opening of the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Zomba district, Kalemba said the operational centre will enable the department to respond to disasters in a timely, effective and well-coordinated manner thereby saving people’s lives and property.

District commissioner for Zomba Reinghard Chavula said the initiative has come at the right time as the council has a lot of disaster risk management programs ready to be implemented.

“We didn’t have a place to meet when we were hit by cyclone Freddy and other disasters, so having this facility comes in handy and the council is ready to embark on disaster risk management programs so as to ensure that Zomba doesn’t face any problems come another disaster,” said Chavula.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Malawi, Fenella Frost said the facility will enhance coordination efforts among various stakeholders and government agencies to save lives when disaster arises.

The Emergency Operation Centres have been constructed in Zomba, Phalombe, Salima and Karonga with financial assistance from the UNDP, Green Climate Fund and the government of Malawi.