Zim mobilising relief aid for Malawi

Harare (New Ziana) – The government is mobilising 10 000 metric tons of the staple maize meal, cooking oil and an assortment of non-food items in response to Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera’s international appeal for assistance in the aftermath of a devastating tropical storm Cyclone Freddy.

The cyclone, one of the longest-lasting storms to be recorded in the southern Hemisphere, killed over 300 and destroyed the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the neighbouring country.

In a post Cabinet weekly briefing, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said President Emmerson Mnangagwa led Cabinet in coming up with humanitarian assistance to Malawi following the recent devastation by Cyclone Freddy.

“His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa led Cabinet in crafting a plan to render humanitarian assistance to Malawi following the recent devastation by Cyclone Freddy. The cyclone claimed over 300 lives and caused extensive damage to homes and social services infrastructure. Thousands of victims suffered injury and displacement, while the affected areas were rendered impassable.

“In response to the appeal for assistance by Malawian President His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera to his fellow SADC Heads of State and Government, Cabinet has constituted a Disaster Relief Committee led by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to draw up a comprehensive assistance package for disaster-stricken Malawi. The Committee will liaise with the Government of Malawi on modalities for conveying the relief package,” she said.

Mutsvangwa said mobilisation of the assistance would begin immediately.

“Cabinet has directed that the mobilization of relief assistance should commence immediately and include 10 000 metric tonnes of mealie meal; cooking oil; blankets; clothing; construction material for cabins; sanitisers, detergents, bath soaps, stationery and other learning materials. To widen the scope of donations to Malawi, the Government is encouraging the private sector, national institutions and citizens to donate generously to this worthy cause,” she said.

New Ziana