Katima Mulilo flood victims face eviction from temporary shelters as council deems homes habitable

Residents affected by floods in Katima Mulilo are facing eviction from temporary relocation camps at the Ngweze Community Hall, despite some claiming their homes were completely destroyed. The Katima Mulilo Town Council had relocated families in March after heavy rains caused flooding and damage. Now that the rainy season has ended, the council is moving residents back, with a deadline of Friday. Alice Sishango, a relocated resident, stated her house was fully damaged and she cannot afford to rebuild, expressing frustration at the council's refusal to grant more time. Another resident, Ngweze Zambwe, also reported having no home to return to and that her request for a temporary tent was denied. She mentioned that officials, including the minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, had previously promised building materials, blankets, and mattresses upon their return, but these have not materialized. Katima Mulilo Town Council chief of fire, disaster and risk management Cornelius Matomola confirmed the evictions, stating that homesteads are now habitable and that the directive to move residents back was received from the regional council in May. He clarified that the council did not promise building materials, but would provide tents for three months to those rebuilding completely damaged homes, as the community hall needs to be rehabilitated for its intended use.