RELIEF is on the horizon for Zambia as the African Union, through the Africa Risk Insurance Programme (ARC), steps in with a critical US$13 million boost to the country’s disaster management efforts.
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This financial injection comes at a crucial time, with Zambia still reeling from the effects of the “worst drought ever,” according to Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) national coordinator Gabriel Pollen. .
Speaking from the sidelines of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency Conference of Parties in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Pollen said the funds will be released by June this year.
Zambia is a member of the ARC, and in 2022, they paid a significant insurance premium of $5.5 million.
“We have experienced the worst ever in terms of drought. Government has received an insurance of money to bolster the mitigation unit,” stated Pollen.
He outlined Government’s multi-pronged strategy for tackling future droughts such as robust intervention in irrigation infrastructure.
“Through strategic investment in irrigation, the Government aims to boost agricultural production, ensuring food security and generating surplus for export,” he said.
He emphasised Government’s commitment to allocating resources to water harvesting infrastructure, aiming to harness and optimise the country’s water resources effectively.
Pollen confirmed the government’s commitment to ratifying the African Risk Capacity treaty, further solidifying its partnership with the organisation.
This ratification process, however, requires parliamentary approval.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, April 25, 2024
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