Govt installs 30 automated weather stations, prepares country for climate-related calamities

Zambia has so far installed 30 automated weather stations as the country prepares for calamities in climate and weather-related hazards.

Zambia Meteorology Department Assistant Director, Martin Swaswa, said so far 30 out of the 120 automated weather stations have been successfully installed.

He said this during the inspection of weather stations in Mazabuka, Choma and Namwala Districts on Sunday on his tour of Southern Province to inspect and monitor Forest Reserves, Meteorological Stations and Ecologically Sensitive Areas.

“The remaining 90 are expected to be installed by August, 2023. The weather stations are strategically installed at schools because of the enhanced security at the schools and the facility will provide the teaching aid to the learners,” he said.

Swaswa said the information produced by the stations would help the communities and the country at large in planning and decision making for agricultural purposes among others.

He stated that with this information, Zambia was able to enhance its disaster preparedness and devise appropriate response mechanisms to reduce loss of life, property and the environment.

“The installation of the automatic weather stations would enhance the observation, recording and transmission of weather data to the central computing system at headquarters where it will be used for weather analysis and focus generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu, said the installation of the automated weather stations had equipped Zambia to adequately prepared for calamities in climate and weather-related hazards

Nzovu said Zambia was now prepared for calamities in climate and weather-related hazards due to the installation of automated weather stations in some districts.

And Southern Province Meteorological Officer, Victor Bupe said since the province was vulnerable to climate shocks, this information would help build climate resilience in the communities.

Bupe urged the community to guard against vandalism of the infrastructure because investing in weather infrastructure is investing in the future of the province and country at large.

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