Uladi condemns DPP govt for late response to Malawi disaster

Members of Parliament (MPs) started their business of the Mid-Year Budget Review Meeting  the People’s Party (PP) leader in Parliament Uladi Mussa condemned Peter Mutharika government for its late response to the disaster, especially in Salima where flooding took place earlier than districts in the Southern Region.

He also pointed out that many affected households were being ignored because they did not have a double tragedy.

“The assistance, when it comes, is focusing on families whose crops and houses were washed away, but those who have houses intact are not being assisted,” claimed Mussa in parliament.

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe has  since allocated an additional K1 billion towards the disaster relief programme following flooding and damage to property in 15 of the country’s 28 districts.

The extra money, which comes after the initial K500 million that government pumped into the programme, will be factored in the revised estimates that Gondwe is expected to present on Friday as part of the Mid-Year Budget Review report.

Meanwhile, female members of Parliament (MPs) through the Women’s Caucas plan to send a delegation to disaster-stricken areas to assess impact and ensure fair distribution of relief to the victims on February 5 and 6.

Chairperson of the Women’s Caucas, Jessie Kabwila, said the committee would send two teams to the eastern and southern parts of Malawi where many have been displaced.

“We plan to reach out to all districts affected. We are very worried because the disaster has put women and children in a difficult position and some are not getting enough support,” Kabwila told reporters.

The Women’s Caucas pointed out that there are still more people who are desperate and have not received any support.