Malawi needs K178bn for disaster recovery
Government says about K178 billion (over $350m) is needed as a disaster recovery package to repair the damage caused by the recent floods.
According to a preliminary Malawi Post Disaster Needs Assessment (MPDNS) for March 2015 compiled by government officers from the affected sectors, there are 11 subsectors of the economy affected.
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) Principal Secretary Paul Chiunguzeni confirmed the figures, but noted that the numbers might change because the office is still consulting with other stakeholders for their input.
He said: “It is a preliminary report, but of course when it comes down to implementation, we will look at priority areas and rehabilitation will be done in phases.”
Chiunguzeni further said government would be willing to recover all the subsectors involved, but was limited by funds.
Despite the money in question not being budgeted for, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development spokesperson Nations Msowoya said the money will be sourced through their stakeholders as government cannot source all the funds.
Without stating the recovery period, the report shows that the subsectors affected include agriculture, commerce and trade, education, energy, environment, health, housing, social protection, infrastructure, nutrition, transport, water and sanitation.
In February, the Ministry of Finance allocated K1 billion (about $2.3m) in the 2014/2015 Mid-Year Budget, which was in addition to the K500 million (about $1.1m) initially allocated.
The floods affected 18 districts, with the Southern Region districts of Nsanje, Chikwawa and Phalombe being the worst hit.
Initial estimates showed K38 billion (about $90m) was required, but after the report, the figure has risen.
