Chikwawa fires disaster committees

Disaster preparedness efforts in Chikwawa are set for a major shake-up after the District Council made a decision aimed at strengthening how communities respond to emergencies.

At the centre of the changes is the dissolution of all Area and Village Disaster Risk Management Committees, with the council saying the committees had remained in office beyond their mandated terms.Read full story at:

In a directive dated 19th July 2026, District Commissioner Frank Mkandawire said the dissolution is intended to restore effectiveness and align disaster structures with the newly reconstituted Area and Village Development Committees.

“This decision has been made following the dissolution and reconstitution of all Area Development Committees and Village Development Committees,” the letter reads.

The letter states that some disaster committee members had served beyond their designated tenure, a situation the council said had weakened their capacity to carry out disaster preparedness and response duties.

The Council said new committees will be put in place in all Traditional Authorities and Group Village Heads to ensure communities continue receiving timely support during floods, droughts and other disasters.

The Council has therefore thanked the outgoing members for their service to people of Chikwawa District.