Zambia hit by flooding

The Magoye River in Monze pictured here before the flooding, is one of the rivers that burst its banks flooding homes and farmland and displacing countless people.

Credit: WaterAid / Jim Holmes

Recent flooding in southern Africa has caused problems for WaterAid projects in Zambia.  

In particular two districts, Monze, which lies along the Zambezi River/Kariba Dam, and Siavonga have been affected. 

In two out of our four programme areas in Monze over 25 WaterAid supported latrines have collapsed and two wells have been inundated and abandoned. Siavonga District was cut off for a number of days because a bridge had been swept away but is now accessible by a temporary structure.

The Government is seeking outside support for the six districts declared as flood areas. WaterAid Zambia and its partners, including local government, will carry out an assessment of the damage and impact on our programmes after the floods have dissipated and the areas are accessible.

From past experience, it is likely that contaminated water supplies will be a major problem, alongside the destruction of sanitation facilities and people's homes. In the short to medium term there will inevitably be a lot to do in terms of testing and rehabilitating water points and rebuilding toilets.

WaterAid projects have not been directly affected in Malawi and Mozambique, which have also been struck by the floods, but WaterAid will continue to monitor the situation.