Foreign residents bring help Malawi flood victims

Foreign nationals from various religious backgrounds on Tuesday brought smiles to flood victims seeking refuge at Chinkhwangwa Primary School in Zomba when they donated assorted items worth K1.5 million (about $3 846).

The items included maize flour, soya pieces, soap, biscuits and salt.

Spokesperson of the 42-member Refugee Fundraising Group, Andrew Sikubwabo, said the money was sourced from business-people and professionals, among others.

“As people from the refuge background, we know what it means to live in camps,” said Sikubwabo.

He said members of the group are nationals of countries such as Burundi, DRC and Rwanda.

District commissioner for Zomba Harry Phiri asked the displaced people to leave the camp and return to their homes, saying conditions have improved in their areas.

“When we have some relief items, we will inform you to come and receive them,” said Phiri.

One of the people displaced by the floods, Esnat Gowelo, said since January they have received relief items only once.

She said they do piecework to survive.

“I have seven orphans that I support and life is becoming tough here because there is nothing we are getting. We plead with government to help us regularly,” said Gowelo.