Malawi’s top envoy to Japan Major General Reuben Ngwenya has disclosed that he has secured K74 million from the government of Japan meant for the victims of Malawi’s unprecedented floods that has left 176 people dead, hundreds of people still missing and over 200,000 people displaced and in urgent need for assistance especially in most districts of Malawi’s southern region.
“We sincerely share the deepest sympathy over the sad news on the devastating disasters.
“On our side we have been engaging the Japanese government and other partners and well wishers for assistance.
“We are receiving very positive responses and pledges,” said the ambassador when pressed on what he is doing on his country’s hour of darkness following his proven track record of being pro-active in engaging different stakeholders in Japan to help Malawi in various ways.
Ngwenya then broke the good news that the Japanese government has swiftly moved in to provide an emergency disaster relief aid of K74 Million with about K1.2 billion Kwacha in the offing.
“I am pleased to report to you, Sir, that the Government of Japan has decided to provide K74 Million towards disasters relief in response to the request by the government of Malawi and the President’s declaration.
“This is for material items including 180 tents for family, 900 sleeping pads. 500 fleece blankets, 400 wool blankets and 40 plastic sheets,” in part reads a diplomatic memo from the Ambassador to Malawi’s secretary for Foreign affairs and international cooperation which MaraviPost has seen.
In this diplomatic memo dated 21st January, 2014, the ambassador further notified the Peter Mutharika administration that “Japan is also considering to provide additional K1.2 billion ($2.5 Million), after approval by Parliament to assist in procurement and distribution of food through the World Food Programme.”
In their diplomatic memo, the Japanese government said they “decided to provide emergency assistance from a humanitarian point of view for the victims as well as in light of the friendly relationship between Japan and Republic of Malawi.”
Ambassador Ngwenya has been in the limelight for being proactive in engaging different stakeholders in Japan to help Malawi in various ways.
Last year, Ngwenya sourced a state of the art Fire Engine and also a 10,000 litre Water Bowser Vehicle for Mzuzu City Council, courtesy of Japanese Fire Fighters Association. In 2013, Ngwenya also sourced six fire engines which were sent to the city councils of Blantyre and Lilongwe and on the health sector, Ngwenya also sourced 10 dialysis machines which were installed at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe in the same year.
The ambassador also made headlines in July last year following a deal he struck with a Japanese car exporter Company, Be Forward, to open an office in Malawi, a development he said will completely reduce forex burdens experienced by Malawians who purchase Vehicles online, as they will be transacting using local currency when the office is opened.