By Sarah Munthali, MANA
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Sunday donated various relief items to 438 households in Mchinji District who were affected by heavy rains on February 25 to 27 and March 3to 5, 2020 that led to water logged condition.
The relief items were maize, beans and salt which were donated to victims in Chioko and Kolakola villages, and surrounding villages in Traditional Authority Simphasi in Mchinji.
The heavy rains, which destroyed houses and property, left 438 households desolate. Most families are currently residing at Chioko Primary School and Catholic Church.
Presenting the donation to the victims, Deputy Director for Disaster Response and Recovery, Dyce Nkhoma said it was everyone’s responsibility, including government, to help people whenever there are such occurrences.
Nkhoma said when such disasters strike, hunger comes with it as people lose their valuables, hence the donation of maize.
Traditional Authority Simphasi hailed government’s gesture, saying it has helped people in the area in time of need.
“This really shows government cares for its people. The district council responded in good time and came to assess the situation. Now it has come to distribute maize to the people,” he said.
According to Simphasi Civil Protection Committee Chairperson, Chifundo Banda, the people affected needed help such as good toilets because the facilities are in bad condition at the school and church where they are staying.
“These people need blankets, mosquito nets and other basic needs as they lost most of their basic items due to heavy rains. We appeal to government to help us,” he added.
Mchinji Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Noel Dakamau said apart from destroying houses and property, the heavy rains also affected bridges and roads in the area which he said need repairing.
