Tunduma authorities have stepped up preparations against Ebola and possible disruption from El Nino rains, focusing on high-risk areas, public awareness and improved sanitation as the border town braces for multiple risks.
The measures come as the town faces particular challenges because of its strategic location along the Tanzania-Zambia border, where large numbers of people move daily for trade, transport and other activities.
Tunduma Town Director Mariam Khatibu Chaurembo said the high movement of people makes disease prevention a priority, while the town's terrain and drainage challenges could worsen the effects of heavy rainfall.
“Tunduma is indeed at high risk, particularly from both Ebola and El Nino rains. We want to ensure all residents are safe, which is why we have already started taking action,” Ms Chaurembo said.
She said the council had identified areas considered vulnerable to the two risks and formed special committees to oversee cleaning and other preventive measures.
The immediate measures include special cleaning campaigns in different parts of the town and increased public education to help residents understand how to prevent disease transmission and respond to heavy rains.
Ms Chaurembo said the council was also pursuing longer-term measures that would require additional resources, particularly to improve drainage infrastructure and address areas vulnerable to flooding.
The council has asked the government to give Tunduma special attention because of its border status and the large volume of people entering and leaving the country through the town.
Meanwhile, a team from the Ministry of Health is assessing Tunduma's preparedness to respond to Ebola and the potential effects of El Nino rains.
The assessment uses a structured questionnaire to identify preparedness levels, gaps and the resources and interventions required to address risks specific to the town.
The exercise is being conducted by the Ministry of Health through its Health Promotion Section in collaboration with the Prime Minister's Office–RALG, the Prime Minister's Office–Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs, UNICEF, Save the Children and Tanzania Interface Partnership (TIP).
The partners are assessing areas including community awareness, preparedness and the capacity of local authorities to respond quickly if an emergency occurs.
The exercise is also intended to ensure identified gaps are addressed before they develop into larger problems, particularly in communities exposed to disease outbreaks and heavy rainfall.
For Tunduma residents, the preparations place greater emphasis on preventive action—from keeping surroundings clean and following public health guidance to identifying vulnerable areas before heavy rains cause disruption.