By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, January 8, Mana: Councilor for Mpama Ward in Nkhotakota, Gaziel Chimzele, has commended government’s efforts in the lean season maize distribution exercise stating it is a life saver in the current food crisis that communities are facing.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday at Mkaika Primary School in the district, Chimzele said the food assistance will help affected households get through as they focus on farming activities in their various fields.

He called upon government to increase the number of beneficiaries in communities noting that more vulnerable families have been left out and yet they are in need of assistance.

"We are indebted to government for this continued initiative. I would like to appeal to them to increase the number of beneficiaries so that more vulnerable families can be assisted through the program," Chimzele said.

Justin Ndawala a beneficiary from Traditional Authority (TA) Nkhanga in the district was thankful to government for assisting his household at a time when he had no idea where he would get his food from.

"I am grateful to government for considering me in this exercise and I pray that other households are included because the harvest was bad and the community is in need of food," said Ndawala.

Nkhotakota District Council Disaster and Risk Management Officer, Romachinga Nkhata, said they are now in phase two of the program and was hopeful that all targeted beneficiaries will be reached.

Nkhotakota expects to cover a total of 19,822 households in this lean season food distribution programme.