A land degradation and urban flood management project Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in Chipata today.
The MoU is between Chipata Municipal Council and the Great Commission for People and Development Orphans, GCPDO, which will undertake the prevention of soil erosion, deforestation and water pollution from storm water in Chipata district.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, GCPDO Executive Director, Reverend Japhet Justin Phiri says that his organization will build the capacities of the community in planting trees and maintaining forest cover to maximize forestation.
He said the MoU will also assist in improving people’s livelihood and mitigate the effects of climate change by raising awareness on global warming.
He added that the project will also minimize gully erosion for the prevention of intense land erosion and sedimentation problems while also improving the usefulness of land damage by gulleys and floodplains.
And speaking during the same signing ceremony, Chipata Mayor, Goodson Thole says that the MoU will assist in addressing most of the environmental challenges being experienced in the district.
Mr. Thole says that the council has already received an environmental planner whose responsibilities will be to look into environmental issues.
He called on other stake holders to partner with the council in addressing environmental challenges in order to maintain the beauty of the district as it seeks to attain its City status.