The Meteorological department has been challenged to improve the mode of dissemination of information on weather forecast in order to help people in rural areas especially farmers prepare adequately and make informed decisions over any eventualities that may be anticipated to be experienced.
Monze District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) challenged the meteorological department that information on whether forecast was not reaching people in remote areas of the district.
This came to light during a special DDCC meeting held at the District Council Conference unit in Monze on Friday where the meteorological department briefed members on the seasonal rainfall forecast for 2012-2013 seasons.
The DDCC members indicated that the flow of information on climate and whether conditions was poor and needed to be improved upon because the challenges of climate changes were adverse and needed to be addressed in an effective manner.
They said the meteorological department must consider providing extension services in rural parts of districts in order for everyone to easily access information and updates on whether forecast.
They called on the department to also improve the network with intermediate in order to enhance the flow of information on whether and climate.
And Southern Province Meteorological Officer Dalton Nanja told the DDCC in Monze that his department was doing everything possible to come up with a better early warning system on weather forecast.
Dr Nanja said that the department had embarked on a new system of disseminating information on weather forecast and other climate conditions.
He disclosed that government had funded a sensitization program which enabled the department continue providing information to people along the line of rail with an extension to rural and the remotest parts of the province.
Dr Nanja said that the meteorological department was also working closely with the media in trying to reach many people with information on climate conditions.
He however explained that the 2012/2013 between October, November and December season Southern Province will receive normal to below normal rainfall.
Dr Nanja said that for the period January, February and March Southern province will have a high chance of receiving normal rainfall.
He said that the department was going through all districts of the province sensitizing people on the 20120/2013 seasonal rainfall forecast.
ZANIS
It’s not whether is weather, LT!
LOL – I bet everyone at ZANIS (…not to mention the so-called “editors” at LT) cheated on their Grade 7 exams too!
you depend on these guys for weather updates at your own peril. these guys are cheats. if anything, what they disseminate to the general public is mare quess work believe me you. just make sure that between today and at the end of april next year, do not leave your umbrella home or you will be soaked to the bone.
It is not cheating what they actually lack is the proper equipment and adequate observatories within the country. The Meterological department is grossly underfunded.
Try to get to Meteorological staff themselves. Learn a little of what they do. That will make you appreciate thier work. Stay well.
Jacob Nkomoki
Nkomoki and his goons are a bunch of liars.Just close down this department to save money.
I agree with the article. Zed meteorological dept is a total joke.
In this day an age, I don’t see how, (e.g.) on the TVZ weather report, we can fail to have data and figures from KK Int Airport, Kabwe, Kitwe or indeed any district in Zambia. I have watched with dismay many weather reports with only 4 or so stations as having submitted the actuals figures (e.g. rainfall), The rest cited as “No Report Available”. Does it mean that none of the staff at those stations have, at least, simple K100pin chinese cellphones? or are there no internet conductivities?
In my view, it is only incompetence or negligence on part of management that are at work.
Just been on there website. no up to date information, website not updated.
These guys need to improve, watch the reports after ZNBC TV news again and you will realize why most people do not consider the weather updates. The reports always have general and not precise data, the most worrying part is that in their updates the whole Zambia is only divided into Northern and Southern part but we don’t even know where these parts meet. For example: if someone says northern parts of Zambia will only be cloudy while Southern parts will have rains, how do we know which places will have rains; is it from Kasama down up to Kabwe… or up to Lusaka, or Kafue.. or does it also include Copperbelt and Eastern provinces and not Central province. These guys MUST improve because their weather reports are confusing and in fact disturbing because they don’t report anything.
Let not just throw negative comments on these guys, actually these guys are doing what is reaaly supposed to be done, in the first place they depend on national resources to run their orperations which are said not to be enough. however MET have done its role to disseminate weather information but it is the Zambian/public which does not take keen interest acquire this vital information. The staff there know is supposed to done in their means and educated just like any other zambian is, therefore, I urge all Zambian to visit the meteorological station in their different locations to access weather information as weather affects all including the enviroment. For me the Director of Meteorology and his team are fine but remains to the Zambian to improve their interest in getting weather inform
Do not just blame MET. These guys have no equipment to do the precise predictions. Let government purchase high tech equipment for them then blame them if they fail with that equipment
NOT ONLY BLAMING,IT’S TRUE WE ON’T VE PROPER EQUIPMENT ONLY OLD ONES AND THINK OF GLOBAL WARMING:WEATHER PATTERNS VE CHANGED:IT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PURCHASE NEW EQUIPS.
how can people in mafinga get weather information in isoka district has only one staff, student have been graduating they end up in street with their papers. can the government do something to increase man power in the department before it crush.
naturally like your web site but you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to inform the reality on the other hand I’ll surely come again again.
Dear Sir/ Editor,
Please send me detailed rainfall data for the month of april/ may 2012 for Kalulushi and or Kitwe, Zambia. I need to conduct a report but have no information regarding two mentioned places. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Rocky.
Dear Sir/ Editor,
I’m an up coming Farmer doing Soya Beans growing in Serenje, Zambia and would like to be kept informed of the weather patten.
Thanking in advance for your assistance.
George Chipeta