Chilima assures KA flood victims of govt support

Vice-President Saulos Chilima’s visit to Karonga yesterday to cheer flood victims faced a hurdle when a damaged M1 Road prevented some relief items from reaching the affected people.

Floods hit the district at the weekend, displacing over 5 520 families and leaving four people dead, six injured while three are missing.

However, when Chilima travelled to the area to appreciate the extent of the damage and symphathise with the victims, two trucks loaded with relief items failed to reach the area as the road to Karonga was cut off at Jalawe in Rumphi District.

Apart from the relief items, some officials from the Office of the Vice-President were also stuck as they could not cross the bridge at Jalawe.

Those who travelled to Karonga a day before were forced to arrange vehicles to go and pick the stranded officials.

Worse still, Karonga Airport where Chilima’s plane landed was also in a mess.

Government officials, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cadets, struggled to sweep the entrance to the airport which was overgrown with grass.

However, during the visit Chilima assured the affected families of government’s support.

He said President Peter Mutharika was saddened by the disaster, especially because people died while others were injured or are missing.

Chilima also said the Roads Authority will fix the road so that there is flow of traffic.

“The relief items should not be a problem. We arranged to bring the items; unfortunately, the items are stuck as the road has been washed away. Roads Authority is looking into the matter and there will be flow of traffic later,” he said, adding: “For those whose houses have been damaged, we have the Malata and Cement Subsidy facility. There is need to come up with the number of [affected] people that need houses so that we can utilise this facility.”

Karonga district commissioner Richard Hara said roads in the district have become impassable such that even 4×4 vehicles are getting stuck.

In his remarks, Paramount Chief Kyungu warned officials against abusing relief items.

He said the items have to benefit the victims only and there is need to list only those affected.