Magarima DDA commits K1 million for emergency disaster relief

Magarima MP Manase Makiba (left) meets with Tari District Court officials on Friday during the swearing in of DDA board members *(Image: NBC News)*

The Magarima District Development Authority [DDA] has announced a K1 million total emergency disaster relief package to support vulnerable communities across the district in response to the severe drought conditions.

The initial allocation of K500,000 was officially committed on Friday by MP and DDA chairman Manase Makiba.

MP Makiba confirmed that a second tranche of K500,000 will be deployed towards the end of the year to maintain continuous assistance as the El Niño climate phenomenon persists.

The decision was formalized immediately following the official swearing-in of the new DDA board members and the formal establishment of the District Disaster Management Committee [DDMC].

"Our people are suffering, and we cannot afford to wait. This K1 million intervention will ensure no family or village is left behind as we navigate this crisis together. Given that the effects of this severe weather pattern are projected to extend into next year, proactive and sustained support is critical," he said.

He said the newly formed district disaster management committee will spearhead a three-pronged emergency operational response which include;

Impact Assessment: Conducting - comprehensive field evaluations across all three Local Level Government (LLG) areas in Magarima to identify high-risk zones.

Community Awareness: Executing public communication drives regarding water conservation, crop management, and resource protection.

Emergency Report Submission: Compiling a detailed status report to present to the Hela Provincial Government and national authorities for further inter-agency support.

Makiba also stated that relief efforts will strictly prioritize remote, high-altitude villages where subsistence gardens have dried up and natural water sources have depleted entirely due to the prolonged dry spell.

"Funding will directly facilitate the purchase and logistical delivery of essential supplies, including emergency food rations [rice, flour, and non-perishables].

To guarantee equitable access and prevent delays, DDA Chief Executive Officer Simon Olaija confirmed that distribution channels will utilize established grassroots leadership.

"Deliveries will be strictly managed through a combined network of LLG presidents, ward members, and local church leaders."

Olaija urged the people to manage relief supplies responsibly and emphasized the importance of community-wide efforts to protect remaining water reserves and surviving crops throughout the El Niño period.