By Yamikani Yapuwa
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has issued a stern warning against partisan politics in the implementation of Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme which is meant to distribute relief maize to vulnerable households.
Speaking during a visit to Thyolo District on Thursday, Dr. Usi urging local leaders to ensure that assistance reaches all deserving individuals regardless of political affiliation or religious beliefs, emphasizing the need to ensure transparency when identifying and registering people that should benefit from the programme.
“The relief maize is for every Malawian in need, not for members of a particular political party or religion. Chiefs and local leaders must ensure fairness and accountability in this process,
“We rely on you to uphold the integrity of this program,” added the Vice President.
Senior Chief Ndalama of Thyolo commended the government for the timely intervention, acknowledging its potential to alleviate the hunger crisis affecting communities across the district.
He, however, appealed to the government to extend the relief food programme to June or July, citing the prolonged dry spell that has severely impacted crop yields.
“Many fields are bare, and it is clear that people will not harvest enough food this year. We ask the government to consider extending the relief period to ensure that no one is left starving,” said the senior chief.
Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga echoed the call for expanded support, urging the government to increase the number of beneficiaries in the district, noting that the magnitude of hunger in Thyolo requires a broader safety net to address the growing demand for food aid.
“The hunger crisis has affected nearly every corner of our district. The number of people in need far exceeds the current beneficiary list.
“We appeal to the government to adjust allocations to accommodate more households,” added the District Commissioner.
The Lean Season Food insecurity Response Programme in Thyolo will benefit 72,599 households representing 317,514 people.
