Chilima Brave Rains to Cheer Mzuzu Flood Victims

By: Thula Chisamba

The Malawi vice President, Saulosi Chilima, braved a nippy showery weather conditions on Tuesday, to cheer-up flood victims in Mzuzu city.

Chilima, whose office heads the department of disaster management, began his humble duties by touring the most affected areas in Chibanja and Masasa.

On the other hand, he donated assorted items including maize flour, cooking oil and washing soap to hundreds of victims.

In an interview with The Malawi Star, Chilima accentuated that the good gesture, was part of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government’s commitment in lending a hand to victims of natural disasters.

“That is why after learning about the tragedy, we responded very quickly to help these displaced Malawians here in Mzuzu,” he said.

Nonetheless, Chilima urged Malawians to avoid living in disaster prone areas like Masasa township in Mzuzu, citing government does not have enough funds to be spending each year, in response to disasters.

“Some of these problems can be avoided if people can humble themselves and relocate from low-lands to upper lands.

Government doesn’t have enough funds to be spending on such disasters-thus we have to hold hands and help our country in managing natural disasters,” he added.

On his part, Mzuzu city mayor, William Fyopo Mkandawire, hailed Chilima for responding to the disaster in time, citing the council alone, had no capacity to help the entire community of victims.

He however urged government to continue lending hands to the council because the disaster has compromised many things in the city, including sanitation.

“It’s our hope that they will not stop here because the disaster has compromised many things that needs to be solved urgently.

For example, we have sanitation problems which may result into the outbreak of numerous waterborne diseases,” he said.

On their behalf, victims echoed  the mayor’s complements, citing Chilima portrayed the heart of a caring father who always respond in time, whenever his children are suffering.