Govt, UNDP hands over CRRF Project in Mambwe

The National Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) says the Community Recovery and Resilience Facility (CRRF) project in Mambwe highlights the importance of investing in disaster preparedness and prevention before disasters occur. Disaster Risk Management Division National…

The National Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) says the Community Recovery and Resilience Facility (CRRF) project in Mambwe highlights the importance of investing in disaster preparedness and prevention before disasters occur.

Disaster Risk Management Division National Coordinator, Norman Chipakupaku, says the CRRF investments of about K2.5 Million in Mambwe District, implemented with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Government is aimed at strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities to droughts, floods and erratic rainfall.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the investments in Mambwe, Mr Chipakupaku who was represented by Assistant Secretary for Eastern Province Clement Chilembo, said lessons from the 2023/2024 drought had shown the need for Government and its partners to strengthen community preparedness and resilience instead of relying mainly on emergency response.

He stressed that the CRRF will also serve as a pilot project whose lessons can guide wider disaster risk reduction and climate resilience programmes in other vulnerable communities.

Mr Chipakupaku added that the (CRRF) project includes the drilling and equipping of boreholes in Kajumba Village and at Mambwe Farmer Training Centre, rehabilitation of a borehole in Pitilila, Kakumbi Ward, and construction of two water kiosks.

He revealed that the project also strengthens irrigation at Mnkhanya Farmer Led Irrigation Scheme through the installation of a booster pump and 18 solar panels, alongside the construction of four livestock drinking troughs.

Mr Chipakupaku further noted that the interventions are particularly important as Zambia prepares for anticipated El Niño conditions during the 2026/2027 rainy season.

He said the Mambwe experience shows that investments in water security, climate-smart agriculture, livelihoods, early warning systems and community preparedness can help communities withstand climate shocks and reduce dependence on emergency assistance.

Meanwhile, United Nation Development Programme Resident Representative in Zambia James Wakiaga, represented by Community Recovery Resilience Facility Project Engineer, Patrick Muchimba said the K2.5 million Kwacha had been spent on the project, which has improved access to water for domestic use, irrigation and livestock.

Mr Muchimba, disclosed that the handover transfers responsibility for the investments to local authorities and community structures.

And Chief Mnkhanya’s representative, Ackim Nkhoma also urged the residents to protect the infrastructure from vandalism.

This is contained in a statement issued to the media by Disaster Risk Management Division Senior Communication Officer, Mathews Musukwa.