Nkasi District is taking major steps to enhance its disaster preparedness as the District Commissioner, Peter Lijualikali, praised the development of draft disaster management documents tailored for the district.
The initiative, coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Policy, Parliament, Coordination, and Disability Affairs department, in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to equip local authorities with tools to prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters effectively.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, during a meeting of the District Disaster Management Steering Committee, which he chairs, Mr. Lijualikali acknowledged the significance of the collaboration.
“I especially commend the Office of the Prime Minister and UNICEF for recognizing the importance of coming to our district. We will ensure that what has been done here in Nkasi produces positive results, particularly in enhancing our understanding of disaster management, prevention, and preparedness to minimize potential impacts when disasters occur,” he said.
The meeting marked a critical step in introducing key draft documents, including the Disaster Risk Assessment, Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment, Draft Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan, and the Draft Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy.
The documents are designed to guide local authorities in systematically identifying potential hazards, assessing community vulnerabilities, and establishing effective measures to mitigate risks.
Ms. Aziza Kalyatila, the Rukwa Regional Disaster Coordinator, highlighted the importance of ongoing education and capacity building.
She explained that continuous training and awareness would strengthen the district’s ability to prevent disasters, respond efficiently when emergencies occur, and restore normalcy rapidly afterward.
“Education on disaster management empowers local authorities and communities, ensuring they are not only reactive but proactive in handling risks,” she said.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment by the government and its partners to enhance local resilience.
By providing Nkasi with structured frameworks for disaster preparedness and risk reduction, the program emphasizes both planning and practical action. Local authorities are now expected to utilize these tools fully once the documents are officially launched, translating guidance into tangible outcomes for communities.
The collaborative effort between the Office of the Prime Minister, UNICEF, and the Nkasi District Council demonstrates how strategic partnerships can strengthen governance at the local level. For Nkasi, a district often facing climate and environmental risks, these measures are not only timely but essential in protecting lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods.