METROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT STARTS SENSITISING COMMUNITIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Zambia Meteorological Department has selected Sesheke district as a pilot for the climate information and early warning systems project. 

This came to light when Sesheke district commissioner Cecilia Limwanya officiated at the opening of the 2015/2016 seasonal forecast forum.

Capt. Limwanya said the project will greatly enhance the collection of weather and climate information in the district. 

She further explained that early warning systems will enable farmers to plan ahead of the coming rain season.

The district commissioner stressed that farmers can only prepare adequately once they are availed with the weather and climate information on a timely basis. 

The UNDP project is expected to run for a period of two years. 

Meanwhile Sesheke district commissioner says the high sunshine intensity in the district presents an opportunity for investment in solar energy. 

Capt. Limwanya observed that Sesheke is one of the districts in the country that is heavily affected by climate hazards such as extreme temperatures. 

She noted that the high sunshine temperature in Sesheke district if well utilised can help to cushion the power deficit the country is faced with. 

Capt. Limwanya implored participants not to concentrate on the negatives of climate change but to make the best out of the prevailing hot weather by investing in solar energy. 

And The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has called for strengthening of the early warning prediction services in the country. 

ZMD Director Jacob Nkomoki said the strengthening of the early warning prediction services will help in mitigate disasters induced by climate change.

He observed that government was spending huge sums of money in mitigating effects of drought and floods which can be forecasted in advance in order to reduce impact on communities. 

However Mr Nkomoki bemoaned that unpredictability of weather patterns poses a big challenge to the department. 

Mr Nkomoki said availing accurate weather climate information to various communities and stakeholders is important as it helps the citizenry to make informed decisions.