Minister Abida Sidik Mia Appreciates Support for Cyclone Freddy Victims

MSOMO EVACUATION CAMP, CHIKWAWA, MALAWI - Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Sidik Mia expressed her gratitude to local and international communities for their support to the people affected by the effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which struck last month, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

Speaking on Easter Sunday at the Msomo Evacuation Camp, Mia acknowledged the donations made by the Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) and Sunseed Oil Limited, who provided food and non-food items to the survivors.

Mia, who is also the parliamentarian for Chikwawa Nkombezi, stated that FGRF has been actively working in the southern regions, including Chikwawa Nkombezi and South constituencies, which were severely impacted by the cyclone.

"You have seen today that the affected persons are receiving blankets, soap, cooking oil, and plastic buckets, just to name a few," Mia said, expressing her appreciation for the overwhelming support received from the FGRF.

Mayur Bhambure, Branch Head for the Southern Region of Sunseed Oil Limited, highlighted that the company decided to donate food items to the cyclone survivors as part of their social responsibility, as the affected people are also their clients.

He mentioned that this was the second time the company has made a donation to the southern region.

"This is the second time for our company to make a donation to the people of the southern region," Bhambure said.

Ibrahim Mataya, Public Relations Officer for FGRF, shared that their organization has reached out to over 11,400 people in the affected districts since the cyclone struck, providing emergency response and addressing the demand for food in evacuation centres.

"So far, we have reached out to over 11,400 people in the affected districts," said Mataya.

Mataya also disclosed that the FGRF is planning to look into resettlement programs after addressing the immediate emergency needs of the cyclone victims.

Minister Mia expressed her gratitude once again to all the local and international communities for their support in this time of crisis.