By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, August 28, Mana: Government through the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA) is working in connection with the Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) in supporting survivors of tropical cyclone Freddy with shelter in Phalombe and Zomba as part of post disaster-recovery project.
Speaking recently at the construction site, Malawi Red Cross Society Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Specialist, Cecelia Banda said so far this project phase which is an initiative of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is set to construct 75 houses, 45 in Phalombe and 30 in Zomba.
The houses are set to be completed and handed over to communities by 30th October, 2023.
“The good will ambassadors of tropical cyclone Freddy recovery, former Presidents Dr Joyce Banda and Dr Bakili Muluzi, mobilised resources from the Dozy Mmobuosi foundation which has provided 75 houses, and also from the Big Win, a charitable organization from the United Kingdom (UK) which has provided seven houses in Phalombe in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Nazombe.
“We also have four houses which have been constructed in Chiradzulu with support from the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) in collaboration with the NBS Bank and are ready for handover, and we also have two houses which have been constructed in the same Chiradzulu district with aid from the First Capital Bank (FCB). This is just the beginning as we are continuing to mobilize more resources” she said.
Group village head Mchenga from Chiradzulu said after the tragedy he collaborated with the T/A Phwelemwe to discuss with the department of forestry, to request for a piece of land to begin construction and their request was granted.
“I assure my fellow chiefs who have also been affected by this tragedy, not to be afraid to request government for help, by providing them with land which is safe for their families to relocate to safer ground.
“I am happy to say that no one in my area was reluctant to this new development, they were happy when I announced to them about this relocation, I want ask my fellow chiefs to do the same to help their people relocate to safer locations” he said.
This project is part of the Government’s efforts to relocate the survivors of cyclone Freddy to safer areas, working hand in hand with chiefs in respective areas with support from development partners, corporate institutions and other charitable organization.
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