MP Mkumba seeks poverty solution after Cyclone Freddy in Malawi

Blantyre, Malawi - Member of Parliament for Blantyre Malabada constituency, Ishmael Mkumba, is seeking a solution to alleviate poverty in his constituency following the effects of Cyclone Freddy, which claimed lives and properties, writes Judgement Katika.

"The situation is still bad since the disaster has affected 6,700 houses in the whole constituency," Mkumba said.

He lamented that most of the houses were built with mud bricks, indicating high levels of poverty in the constituency.

"People are living in abject poverty, so we need to solve this problem and look for ways to end poverty," said Mkumba.

He noted that this was not the first time people had lost their lives and houses due to heavy rainfall.

The incidents began in 2015, followed by 2019 and 2022. He also expressed concern that next year's situation might be worse.

Therefore, Mkumba emphasized the need to prepare for the tragedy to prevent the loss of lives and property in the future.

He added that the biggest problem was that people who lost their properties were living in tents, which is not ideal, and they needed to go back to their households to continue with their lives.

"But they can't go back because they don't have the money to rebuild their houses and continue with the businesses that they had before," said Mkumba.

Mkumba hailed the companies, communities, and individuals who offered support during the devastating time, including Coca-Cola and Kell food companies, Muslim and Hindu communities, and the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, who brought a lot of food to the victims.

Cyclone Freddy originated in Madagascar, claimed over 600 lives, and washed away houses, crops, livestock, roads, and bridges in ten districts in the southern region in March.