Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is a Zambian government agency under the Office of the Vice President responsible for coordinating and managing disasters and emergencies across the country. It plays a central role in disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.
| Formed | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Government of the Republic of Zambia |
| Headquarters | Cabinet Office, Lusaka, Zambia |
| Agency executive | <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"></templatestyles>
|
| Parent department | Office of the Vice President |
| Website | www.dmmu.gov.zm |
History
DMMU was established in 1994, replacing the earlier Disaster Relief Unit, to provide a more holistic and coordinated approach to disaster management. It was restructured to ensure the integration of disaster risk reduction strategies into national planning and development processes.[1]
Mandate and Functions
DMMU’s mandate includes:
- Formulating national disaster policies and strategies
- Coordinating early warning systems and disaster risk assessments
- Mobilising and distributing relief supplies during emergencies
- Promoting disaster risk reduction at national and community levels
- Coordinating recovery and reconstruction efforts after disasters
Structure
DMMU operates under the supervision of a National Coordinator who reports to the Vice President. It has provincial and district-level offices to ensure effective disaster response at local levels. The Unit works closely with local councils, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and international partners.
Key Interventions
- COVID-19 Response: DMMU coordinated logistical support and supply chains for quarantine centres, medical facilities, and vulnerable communities during the pandemic.[2]
- 2024–2025 Drought Response: In 2024, following a severe El Niño-induced drought that affected over 9 million Zambians, DMMU launched large-scale food relief and water supply initiatives in coordination with international partners such as the UN World Food Programme.[3]
- Flood Response: DMMU has historically responded to major floods in Southern, Western and Eastern Provinces by relocating affected families and distributing relief materials.
Leadership
Past and current National Coordinators include:
- Patrick Kangwa (2012–2017)
- Chanda Kabwe (2017–2021)
- Gabriel Pollen (2021–present)[4]
Partnerships
DMMU collaborates with:
- United Nations agencies (e.g., UNDP, WFP, UNICEF)
- Zambia Red Cross Society
- African Risk Capacity
- Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Local Government
Criticism and Challenges
The Unit has been criticised at times for politicisation of aid distribution, delays in response, and lack of transparency. Civil society groups have called for reforms to enhance accountability and decentralise operations for better community engagement.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ "DMMU Profile", Parliament of Zambia, 2015.
- ↑ "DMMU commences distribution of COVID-19 relief", Lusaka Times, 9 May 2020.
- ↑ "Zambia Drought Response 2024", ReliefWeb, May 2024.
- ↑ "DMMU gets new National Coordinator", ZANIS, 8 September 2021.
- ↑ "DMMU should not be used for political campaigns", News Diggers!, 24 Feb 2020.
