By Emmanuel Moyo
Karonga District commissioner Paul Kalilombe has warned Karonga market users against disposal of rubbish in drainage systems of the market saying it is puts the market at risk of floods.
Kalilombe’s remarks come in reaction to the District’s downscaled seasonal forecast for 2021 to 2022 by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological services that has predicted that rainfall amounts exceeding 245mm are expected around town in March.
“People’s habits of dumping rubbish in drains of our market is continuing and this shows that we might again have problems when rains begin, so this must be stopped if we are to prevent flood related problems that might come due to poor drainage system and we need the support of the people on this matter,” he said.
Kalilombe has since urged media practitioners plying their trade in the district to help in sensitizing people on negative effects of dumping rubbish in the drains.
On his part, Karonga Market Chairperson, Goodwin Ghambi hailed the DC saying the warning is timely as his committee is also committed to making sure that drains are clean.
“As of now, the council is cleaning the drains in the market, so the warning has come in good time as it will make people abide to the rules, our market committee is also committed to working with the council in making sure that the drainage system is clear,” he said.
Karonga district is one of the flood prone districts and poor drainage system has been one of the causes of flooding in the market during the previous rainy season.
