By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, July 31, Mana: Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security has given a nod to government to relocate a refugee camp from Dzaleka to Kayilizi area in Chitipa.

Chairperson for the Committee, Ralph Jooma hailed government for the move to relocate Dzaleka Refugee Camp to Kayilizi saying the area is ideal for the camp.

Jooma said this Sunday after touring the proposed area in Senior Chief Mwenewenya in Chitipa District.

"We have shortage of land at Dzaleka which has 201 hectares of land while here we have 330 hectares which is a great improvement and ideal for a refugee camp," Jooma said.

Jooma said his Committee was impressed with the land as it is bigger and close to the border unlike Dzaleka which is in the interior of the country thereby raising security concerns.

He expressed his Committee’s gratitude to traditional leaders and the people of Kayizili for welcoming the development saying the refugee camp will also fast track development in areas such as education, health, trade and road infrastructure.

In his remarks, Group Village Head Kayilizi dismissed rumours of resistance by his subjects.

"My people have welcomed the project wholeheartedly. Actually, this is a very rural area and it would have taken ages for us to reach urbanisation. However, with the coming of the camp, we stand to benefit in all sectors," said Kayilizi.

Government decided to close Dzaleka Refugee Camp and find a new site close to the northern borders of the country as one way of improving refugee management.