Metro

Death toll reaches 600 as flood sweeps victims to early grave in Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

October 17, 2022

The Nigerian minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development announced during a media briefing that the death toll from the current flooding crisis has hit 600.

2,407 persons have been injured, a total of 2.5 million people have been affected and 82,053 houses have been completely damaged as the West African country faces its worst flood in over a decade.

The minister also revealed that 2,407 persons have been injured, a total of 2.5 million people have been affected and 82,053 houses have been completely damaged.

She also called the head of sub-national governments, that is state governors, and local authorities to be proactive in managing the crisis.

“State governments, local government councils and Communities to prepare for more flooding by evacuating people living on flood plains to high grounds, provide tents and relief materials, fresh water as well as medical supplies for a possible outbreak of water-borne disease”. Minister Sadiya urged.

29 of Nigeria’s 36 states have experienced heavy flooding this year. The waters have washed away homes, crops, and roads and affected at least half a million people.

Rainfalls have been devastating effects in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, and the Central Africa Republic.

She also announced that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, was “to lead a delegation to Cameroon next month, to discuss the periodic opening of the Lagdo dam with the authorities”.

“Metrological Agencies are warning that states like Anambra, Delta, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa are still at risk of experiencing floods up till the end of November,” Minister concluded.

The flooding situation has led to lots of wastage of farm produce that has threatened the food security of Nigeria and the continent at large. The World Food Programme and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization said last month that Nigeria was among six countries facing a high risk of catastrophic levels of hunger.

Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

14 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.