Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara Urges Registration of Flood Victims in Mzuzu City

Mzuzu City, Malawi - Speaker of National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara has called on authorities to register only those who have been affected by the recent floods in Mzuzu City, writes Susan Moyo.

Hara made the request on Thursday after touring families that have been affected by floods at Chibavi township.

"Some people will take advantage of the situation whereby those that have not been affected will also benefit from the relief items donated by various stakeholders, citing that the resources are scarce, so the target should be only those that have been affected," she said.

Hara has also appealed to various stakeholders, including local and international organizations, to provide assistance to the affected families.

"I know most organizations came in when Cyclone Freddy hit the southern part of the country, and now the north again has been hit by flash floods, so it’s my plea to them to assist us," she added.

Gomezgani Nyasulu, the Chief Executive Officer for Mzuzu City Council, said that the council is working with committees in the affected areas to ensure that only those who have been affected get the relief items.

"Nevertheless, there are some scrupulous people who would want to benefit from this, so we are trying to monitor this, and once caught, the law will take its action," he said.

The Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DODMA) has already distributed maize flour and beans to the affected families.

One of the victims, Moreen Phiri, a mother of four from Kangawa village, whose house was destroyed, expressed her gratitude.

"The items we have received will help us have food on our table, and we are asking well-wishers to continue supporting us," she said.

According to statistics from Mzuzu City Council, 512 households have been displaced by flash floods, and the affected areas include Chibavi, Chiputula, Masasa, Mchengautaba, Lubinga, and Zolo-Zolo, among others.

The registration of victims will help ensure that relief aid is distributed fairly and to those who need it most.

The appeal for assistance from various stakeholders is a vital step in supporting the affected families as they try to recover from the devastation caused by the floods.