Scott warns of floods in Lusaka

Scott warns of floods in Lusaka
Written by Katwishi Bwalya
Monday, December 29, 2008 9:22:00 AM

PATRIOTIC Front vice-president Dr Guy Scott has warned of a repeat of floods in Lusaka. And Dr Scott has challenged the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to tell the nation how the K5 billion meant for drainages was used.

In an interview after inspecting Shoprite Kafue Road which had its entrance flooded after a downpour, Dr Scott said there was need for more funding to put up drainages if the issue of floods in Lusaka was to be addressed.

"We can't have flooding in the capital city like this. Rome was built on a swamp but does not experience flooding [on the basis of poor drainage]. What we need is a standard of engineering, " he said.

Dr Scott said it was unfortunate that Lusaka was still experiencing floods when the government had enough time to plan.

"Last year, we had serious floods which should have given enough time to the DMMU to plan, but we are now seeing the same floods and there is no change comparing to last year's. So I am urging them [DMMU] to tell the nation how the K5 billion meant for drainages was spent because we have not seen any change," Dr Scott said." We don't need rocket science to put up drainages in the city"

Dr Scott said the fight against cholera in the city was still a dream because the issue of drainages was not addressed.

"[Local government minister] Tetamashimba has given constituencies in Lusaka seven trucks to collect garbage, but those are not enough for a population of about 1.5 million people," said Dr Scott.