Cyclone Survivors Call for Affordable Construction Materials, Farming Inputs in Chikwawa

Malawi — Survivors of Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Chikwawa have called on the government to provide affordable construction materials to help them leave the camps as soon as possible, writes Comfort Bulangete.

During a presidential visit on March 17, Paramount Chief Lundu urged the government to consider this provision so that the people don't have to stay in the camps longer than necessary.

"We are facing a lot of challenges staying in the camps. The government should help us by providing affordable construction materials to build our houses," said Lundu.

He also requested farming inputs from the government so that the farmers can do irrigation farming in the aftermath of the cyclone.

In response, President Chakwera asked the responsible department to provide housing facilities to enable people to construct their own houses.

During the presidential visit, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Culture, Owen Chomanika, praised the visit as "fruitful," saying it showed that the government is mindful of the people who have been affected by the cyclone in the Shire Valley district of Chikwawa.

"The visit was vital because we needed assurance that the government is mindful of its people. This signals that the president and his cabinet are committed to the welfare of the people," said Chomanika.

The number of camps in the district might increase as more houses continue to fall, leaving people homeless and worried.

Maize fields have also been swept away, leading to a scenario that will likely cause hunger in the district.

Chomanika has urged the President to send more food supplies to rescue victims.

Organizations such as CADECOM, Red Cross Society, and Catholic Relief Services have already started assisting with donations, but Chikwawa District Commissioner, Nardin Kamba, reported that it's still inadequate.

Kamba has asked the President to intervene through his office.

So far, the Chikwawa District Council has provided 4,285 bags of maize and 425 bags of beans to different camps.

The district has recorded five deaths, with 12,368 people affected and 8,837 people displaced and housed in 21 camps.

The government is expected to take further action to provide adequate housing and support to Cyclone Freddy survivors in Chikwawa.