Chikwawa Catholic priests donate K1million to flood survivors

Priests at Nkhathe Catholic Parish in Chikwawa district have donated assorted items worth K1 million to flood victims in the district.

The donations were made on Thursday in the areas of village headmen Kusakala, Chipakuza and Kavalo under Traditional Authority Makhuwira.

The items included 50 metres of plastic paper for five people, plates, cups, maize, salt, blankets, buckets, mats (mphasa) and maize seed to 70 families in the villages.

Group Village Head Chipakuza recounted the loss, and promised that they would migrate to upper lands if a proper plan was devised.

“I and my people are ready to move to upper lands if that is provided and I should also extend my appreciation to the Catholic priests who thought of coming to donate these items to us,” said Chipakuza.

Reverend Father Allan Semba sympathized with the affected families.

“When we heard of the floods we tried to visit those that were affected and we discussed on how we would be of help in such a situation. Since the people here resorted to a kind of relief that was immediately needed, we tried to bring them the food, soap, buckets, mats (mphasa), seeds, and many others.

“We were not alone but we also tried to talk to some parishioners from Ireland who came in with their assistance and we therefore thought of buying these items for the people,” Semba said.

He observed that the living conditions of people in affected villages were pathetic as they camped in a dilapidated church that would fall on them should the heavy rains continue.

He stressed the need to provide those affected with tents and mosquito nets as was the case in other camps.

Father Semba also urged government, organizations as well as individuals to reach out to other flood victims that lived in hard to reach areas.

Nkhathe Parish Priest, Reverend Father Patrick Jambo called on the general public to continue assisting the flood victims.