Veep warns against corruption in relief distribution

Vice-President Saulos Chilima has warned that government will take to task anyone who will act corruptly when providing relief items to victims of disasters.

Chilima said this at Kankodola Primary School yesterday, when he addressed victims of Friday’s floods which washed away houses and property in some parts of Lilongwe City, especially in Ntandile Township in Traditional Authority Njewa.

During the visit, the Vice- President distributed relief items such as foodstuffs, beddings, tents and kitchen utensils.

“These items are for the victims only, so if anyone tries to reap from this and the news gets to us, we will ensure that you end up in the right hands,” he said.

He said about 400 families were affected by Friday’s floods, which happened as a result of Lingadzi and Nankhata rivers breaking their banks.

Reports indicate that one person died while two others went missing after jumping into the water to save trapped children who were later rescued by Malawi Defence Force soldiers using a chopper.

About 380 displaced people are being sheltered at Kankodola Primary School, but Chilima assured that a better place will be identified to relocate them to avoid disturbing classes at the school.

Lilongwe City Counci l spokesperson Tamara Chafunya said the main areas affected by the floods were Ntandile and Areas 15, 18, 47 and 49.