By Isaac Salima
Some of the people who are seeking shelter in Tropical Cyclone Freddy camps have bemoaned bureaucracy when releasing food items to survivors, saying procedure-induced delays are creating artificial food shortages in camps.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has been receiving support from well-wishers and other stakeholders and coordinates with district councils to ensure that items get to those that need them.
We visited some camps in Blantyre, where people claimed that they have gone for days without receiving any support from councils.
“We last received assistance a week ago,” Matias Wasere, who is chairperson at Matope Primary School in Ndirande, said.
“Food is our biggest challenge here. We ask authorities to ensure that these people get necessary support while here. Our warehouse is empty now and people have not eaten anything,” Wasere said.
The camp is home to almost 90 families.
“I lost my husband and daughter and do not have anything left for me. My hope is here at the camp but the erratic supply of food is a big problem to people like me,” Kelita Zimizu, one of the people at the camp, said.
The sentiments were echoed at Malabada camp in the populous township, where people complained of food challenges.
For example, Martin Chiwowa said people should consider giving them food items.
“We thank people who have been coming up with support.
“However, we have received blankets, basins and other non-food items. But we need more food items,” Chiwowa said.
Vice President of St John Ambulance Margaret Ali urged responsible officials to fast-track the process of ensuring that food is available to the people.
“There are what we call ‘red tapes’ in government agencies, where it takes a long time for donations to reach beneficiaries. People are struggling for food in camps; so, I would ask those responsible not to hold on to the items.” Ali said.
Dodma Deputy Director for Resilience Hastings Mwanjoka said they are working hard to ensure that items are distributed to those that need them in camps.
“We are only there to coordinate [activities] with district councils. When we receive the items, it is the councils that decide where to take them. And when those who have donated through us have a particular area where they want their items to be distributed, we take them there,” Mwanjoka said.
Dodma announced that they will support flood survivors who are in camps for the next three months.
Source: Daily Times
