CCJP constructs houses for storm survivors

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of Karonga Diocese has constructed and renovated 27 houses for some community members in traditional authorities Kyungu, Kilupula and Wasambo in the district.

The beneficiaries include people whose houses were destroyed by rainstorms this year. CCJP also constructed and renovated houses destroyed by angry community members in 2021 after accusing the owners of practising witchcraft.

George Kumwenda, whose house was destroyed by an angry mob for being suspected of bewitching his son, said in an interview on Tuesday that the house will give him a new lease of life. 

“I was falsely accused of bewitching my son. A mob destroyed my house and I remained homeless for about a year,” he said.

Besides constructing houses for community members, CCJP also donated relief items to rainstorm survivors.

Kilupula Disaster Committee chairperson Mushi Fundi thanked CCJP for donating relief items to 376 families affected by rainstorms.

He urged people not to sell relief items, but to use them to lessen their suffering as they strive to recover fully from their loss.

Karonga Catholic Diocese Caritus secretary Mwayi Shaba said they wanted to give shelter to people who lost their houses.

“With the help of some organisations and friends from Germany, we sourced funds to help people affected by natural disasters and witchcraft conflicts with decent houses,” he said.

Shaba urged people to refrain from killing each other and destroying property on witchcraft allegations.

“People must not take the law into their own hands because innocent people end up being victimised,” he said.

In total, CCJP reached out to 627 families with relief items in the three areas.