By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

President Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday, 18th March, 2023 spoke tough against anyone diverting, stealing, or abusing any item meant for victims of Cyclone Freddy in the country, saying the law will not smile at the perpetrators.

He was speaking at Chilala Primary School in Ntaja (Machinga district) where he cheered the victims in the district who are living at Chilala evacuation camp in the area of TA Chizinga.

“We are talking about Operation Tigwirane Manja. Malawians, let us learn to love each other, let us see each other as brothers and sisters.

Malawians of good will and other donors are partnering in putting together resources to help us, and let us help each other regardless of our affiliations. This is a national disaster, I am happy those who stole relief items in Blantyre have been caught and arrested.” Said President Chakwera.

He then assured the victims that soon government through the line Ministry will embark on irrigation farming once the situation becomes stable so that people are assisted in food security.

President Chakwera who on Friday, 17th March, 2023 concluded his Southern region tour with visits at various places and victim centers in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts where he assured them of their government’s commitment through his leadership to make sure they are getting necessary humanitarian assistance as they live in the evacuation camps, made the same assurance to Freddy victims in the Eastern region after visiting Zomba and Machinga districts on Saturday.

Writing on his official Facebook page, President Chakwera said the magnitude of the destruction by cyclone Freddy to lives, infrastructure, economic activities, and general wellness is too huge that needs a lot of support to the affected people and the country at large.

“Bridges have been washed away, while a majority of roads, both main ones and those in the deep rural have become impassable. This infrastructural malfunction has disrupted rescue efforts, farming activities, and economic enterprise.

I have also sadly learnt that in the midst of our efforts, some misguided citizens are already chancing a loot from the relief items meant for affected communities. As a coordinator of Operation Tigwirane Manja, I plead with you all to be custodians of all items availed by government and other well wishers.” Read part of the message adding that it is the duty of everyone to show kindness for national good.

In his remarks at Chilala Primary School Camp, Paramount Chief Kawinga said people of Machinga appreciate the fatherly heart and servant leadership that President Chakwera has demonstrated, saying the President has demonstrated his commitment towards helping people who are in need.

Said Paramount Chief Kawinga; “Let us all emulate the example set by the President, by visiting those displaced by the cyclone, as the President can not visit each and every family. It is up to us to join him and help.”

Kawinga further concurred with Member of Parliament for Machinga Central East Constituency, Daud Chikwanje that people of Machinga will heavily rely on President Chakwera for food assistance as they have left destitute with no food items by Cyclone Freddy.

During the visit, Richard Chimwendo Banda, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture thanked President Chakwera for directing that no-one should politicize the assistance being channeled towards victims of Cyclone Freddy, saying it shows the wise leadership that President Chakwera has and ensures that there is equal distribution of the relief items.

Meanwhile, companies, organizations, governments, and individuals are trickling in with their support following President Chakwera’s appeal for more humanitarian assistance under Operation Tigwirane Manja.

So far, statistics are showing that education in 49 schools in Machinga has been disrupted as they have been turned into evacuation camps. Further records show that Cyclone Freddy has claimed over 400 lives across the Southern region, with thousands being displaced, and several others still missing.