Funding Request To Prospective Donors: Project Title J

Funding Request To Prospective Donors Project Name/Title : JOMBO EVACUATION CENTRE

Request for funding support to construct a community-based evacuation centre in Jombo, Malawi, to address flood-related displacement issues. The project aims to build a shelter with facilities including an evacuation shelter, kitchen, latrines, bathrooms, and open ground, targeting 8,367 community members. It emphasizes infrastructure for disaster resilience, sanitation, youth development, and continuity of basic services during floods. A total budget of approximately $37,785 is proposed, seeking $29,714 from donors, with community contributions covering about 21% of the costs.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The increasing frequency and severity of floods in Malawi have posed significant challenges to vulnerable communities, particularly in areas like Jombo within the Chikwawa district. Flood disasters have repeatedly displaced communities, caused loss of life and property, and disrupted essential services such as education and health. Addressing these persistent challenges requires strategic infrastructural development, especially the construction of durable evacuation centers that can serve as safe havens during floods while also supporting community development initiatives.

The community of Jombo and the surrounding villages experience annual floods that often overwhelm existing temporary solutions like tents, which are often prone to wear and tear and lack adequate security. The Malawi Post Disaster Needs Assessment (2015) highlights that the floods, including the 2015 record rainfall, constitute extraordinary events historically at a 1-in-500-year risk level. This escalation necessitates proactive infrastructural solutions to ensure community safety, continuity of education, and sanitation improvements during disaster episodes. The proposed evacuation centre aims to serve as a permanent facility with essential amenities such as an evacuation shelter, kitchens, toilets, bathrooms, and open grounds for community activities, addressing both immediate disaster response needs and promoting long-term resilience.

The primary objective of this project is to enhance flood preparedness and resilience amongst approximately 8,367 residents, including vulnerable groups such as women and children. The structure will not only provide a safe refuge but also facilitate sanitation, hygiene, and community activities, thus supporting the broader socio-economic development of the area. The project aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, emphasizing the importance of resilient land-use planning and safe housing as key strategies in reducing underlying vulnerabilities.

Construction of the evacuation centre will be managed by Tikumbukireni Community Based Organization (CBO), which has been actively involved in disaster response initiatives since its registration in 2006. The CBO has demonstrated capacity and experience in mobilizing community resources, coordinating with district authorities, and implementing infrastructure projects. The project management team, led by Lickson Mchepa, has the required expertise, including a Master's degree in Development Studies and prior experience working with international NGOs, ensuring effective implementation and oversight.

The project's long-term sustainability is ensured through active community participation, where community members contribute resources such as land, bricks, and water, thus fostering ownership and maintenance. The centre’s multifunctional design enables it to serve multiple purposes beyond evacuation, including community meetings, health activities, sports, and even income-generating rental opportunities when not used for disaster response. These activities will sustain the facility financially and socially, creating ongoing benefits for the community.

Flood risks in Jombo are compounded by climate change-induced rainfall variability, deforestation, and poor land use practices. According to the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC), floods will likely intensify unless proactive measures like resilient infrastructure are adopted. Building capacity at the community level through awareness and preparedness training is crucial, alongside infrastructural solutions like the proposed evacuation centre. The project includes sensitization meetings for community leaders and stakeholders, ensuring inclusive participation and enhanced local ownership.

The budget for the project is approximately $37,785, with a funding request of nearly $29,714 from development partners and donors. The community is committed to contributing over 21% of the cost, mainly through land donation, access to construction materials, and labor. This cost-sharing approach demonstrates local commitment and ensures sustainability. The budget covers construction costs, procurement of materials, community mobilization, and project management activities.

Monitoring and evaluation are integral components of the project, with monthly oversight by the Chikwawa District Council and quarterly assessments by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). The CBO will oversee daily progress, ensure quality standards, and document lessons learned. Post-construction, the facility will undergo an independent evaluation to assess its effectiveness, safety, and community satisfaction, providing valuable insights for replication and scaling in other flood-prone regions of Malawi.

In conclusion, the proposed construction of the Jombo evacuation centre is a strategic intervention aligned with national and international disaster resilience frameworks. It emphasizes community participation, sustainable infrastructure, and multi-purpose functionality, aiming at not only saving lives during floods but also fostering community development and resilience. Support from donors will significantly contribute to reducing flood-related vulnerabilities and enhancing the capacity of Jombo’s residents to respond effectively to future disasters.

References

  • Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC). (2018). Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Report. Lilongwe: MVAC.
  • Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). (2015). Malawi Post Disaster Needs Assessment. Lilongwe: Government of Malawi.
  • Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. (2015). United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • Chikwawa District Council. (2019). Annual Development Programme Report. Chikwawa District.
  • World Bank. (2020). Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management in Malawi. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications.
  • National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA). (2012). Malawi. Government of Malawi.
  • UNDP Malawi. (2019). Building Resilient Communities through Infrastructure Development. Lilongwe: UNDP Malawi.
  • Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. (2017). Malawi Land Use Planning and Disaster Management Policy.
  • Oxfam International. (2018). Community-Led Disaster Preparedness and Response Strategies. Oxford: Oxfam.
  • UNISDR. (2019). Rescue and Resilience: Building Disaster-Resilient Communities in Malawi. Geneva: UNISDR.

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