NECK Trust Chairperson, King Norman Rudi, told Zodiak Online today that the government should engage the people and relevant stakeholders, give them the amenities then talk of people refusing to relocate.

He said that “the social amenities we are referring to are roads, safe-drinking water, recreational facilities for wellness activities, functional electricity, efficient and sustainable healthcare, schools and farm land.”

Rudi further said that “it would be unfortunate to expect people to relocate before addressing issues that are critical for their livelihoods,” explained Rudi.

Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, disclosed during a humanitarian response programme review meeting in May last year the move was aimed at bringing sanity.

Kalemba gave an instance in Mzuzu where he said people settled in prohibited areas and in the course suffered the disasters.

He has been on record saying DoDMA was working with traditional leaders in the disaster-prone areas in identifying land for disaster survivors’ relocation in a drive to minimize loss of lives and property.

Nsanje and Chikwawa are some of the districts which face perennial disasters such as floods which in some instances result in loss of lives and property.