President Peter Mutharika has stressed the need for Malawi to devise a new disaster policy that would help reduce damage and expedite rescue operations once the country is faced with calamities.
Mutharika made the remarks Wednesday when he visited flood victims at Bangula Trading Centre in Nsanje District.
Among others, the Malawi leader said the policy would explain the reallocation process of communities living in places marked as disaster prone areas.
He, however, said the reallocation would not be compulsory, but that those in the affected areas would ‘only be advised to relocate’.
On the aftermath of the recent floods, Mutharika said government was still assessing the impact and that he would be meeting relevant officials to map the way forward after the assessment is concluded.
Mutharika then assured those in camps that Lilongwe was doing everything possible to have them repatriated, but indicated that it would take a little longer for those whose houses were completely destroyed.
He commended them for living in harmony, noting that it was always difficult for families from different villages to live together in harmony.
Mutharika then promised to provide them with maize flour, beans cooking oil and blankets amongst other supplies to help ease their condition.
The Malawi leader also warned those leading in sourcing and distributing relief items to avoid corruption and misuse of donor funds, stressing his administration will deal with anyone found misusing relief funds.
President Mutharika has since commended the many Non-governmental Organizations helping the flood victims across the country.
Over 40,000 people have been affected by the floods which have left 135,000 homeless, especially in the southern region.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has although aid continues to pour in to support the victims in the country, the affected people will need continued support for the next two months which will need $2.7 million.
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