United Purpose establishes response committees in Thyolo

United Purpose, formerly known as Concern Universal, has said it is establishing Village Civil Protection Committees (VCPC) in Thyolo District as a way of strengthening structures for rapid response to natural disasters.

United Purpose extension officer Deborah Gondwe said on Thursday that response to natural disasters requires vibrant committees that will effectively coordinate with authorities at district level for rapid response.

She said this at Milonga Primary School in Traditional Authority (T/A) Ngolongoliwa during the committee- establishing exercise.

“The authorities’ rapid response depends on the VCPC. They have a responsibility to inform the authorities in time of any disaster in their areas,” said Gondwe.

Gondwe said the committee is also responsible for registration of victims and beneficiaries of assistance, since council authorities cannot be on the ground all the time during disasters.

She also said if well trained, the committees can mobilise assistance such as food, shelter and can also give first aid to the victims.

Ngolongoliwa VCPC chairperson  Francisco Geniyo said the committees are instrumental because they give a realistic picture of damage during disasters.

United Purpose is establishing committees in T/As Mchiramwera and Ngolongoliwa in the district.