By Chisomo Phiri
Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima on Wednesday visited and cheered up Cyclone Freddy victims at Matope Primary School evacuation camp in Ndirande township of Blantyre.
In his brief speech, Chilima said relocating households from hilly areas is the only solution to issues of disasters that have been hitting some parts of the country for over a decade now.
The Vice President observed that relief items which survivors receive during disasters such as Tropical Cyclone Freddy are not solutions.
“When our leaders say don’t settle at this place we should listen to them and should not be politicised.
“So my plea is that let’s give our citizens better places to settle and not in these hilly areas, otherwise we will continue experiencing these disasters year in, year out,” said Chilima.
He urged well-wishers and other stakeholders to continue helping those who have been affected by the Cyclone.
“Lets continue helping each other the way we have been doing since the disaster struck. In the past few days, we have once shown that we are a people with a golden heart that we can give selflessly to those in need.
“Extend that helping hand without getting tired.”
Chilima further urged those with various skills or expertise or any technical assistance to continue reaching out to the nearest camp.
He said: “In the spirit of Tigwirane Manja being championed by His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, no one should be left behind.
“This is no laboratory experiment. This is reality that requires speedy action from all of us. For those in leadership positions in the affected areas, this is the time to LEAD and INSPIRE. We shall rise together in the spirit of togetherness.”
Matope Primary School Evacuation Camp is currently, accommodating about 700 Tropical Cyclone Freddy survivors.
