Telecomms operators donates K20.5 m for disaster response

Association of Telecommunications Operators (ATOL) has donated K20.5 million to the Department of Disaster Management and Affairs in response to reaching out and helping out people and communities affected by floods and hailstorms in the country.

Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony at Capital Hill, Lilongwe on Wednesday, Secretary for Department of Disaster Management and Affairs Paul Chiunguzeni said the nation that the donation was timely and would go a long way in assisting government’s rescue and relief operations currently under way in affected areas.

“We really applaud ATOL for this monetary donation. As many people may be aware, we are still in quest of more financial and material support. A lot of our brothers and sisters are still displaced and looking for shelter,” said Chiunguzeni.

In his remarks, MTL CEO in his capacity as Acting ATOL Chairman on Floods Rescue Mission, Dr. Harry Gombachika said ATOL felt duty bound to assist people and communities that form part of their business environment and are part of their customer base.

“It is time like this that calls for national unity. It is time like this that calls for national response,” said Gombachika. “ATOL hereby announces a donation of K20.5 million towards the national response to the state of disaster.”

Gombachika further appealed to the corporate world to come forward and contribute to the national response towards the flood disaster relief operations.

“The contribution, irrespective of magnitude, will facilitate the rebuilding exercise, offer help and hope to those in need. Government alone cannot deal with a disaster of this magnitude,” he said.

ATOL is an association of telecommunication operators in Malawi comprising of Airtel, Access, TNM and MTL.