Elderly people get cash pay outs in Chikwawa
The Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid have disbursed money to 1 200 elderly people in Chikwawa District to enable them buy basic necessities, including food.
Speaking on Saturday after receiving K80 000, 94-year-old Fred James from Chingondo Village, Traditional Authority Ngabu said he was struggling to look after his family.
He said the situation worsened due to the prolonged drought that affected crop production.
“We slept on an empty stomach. My grandchildren were crying for food, but there was nothing I could do. I will use the money to buy maize for my children and use part of it to settle hospital bills,” said Chingondo.
Another beneficiary, Elinala Kalonga, said it was difficult to raise money, being an elderly person.
“My situation is also worsened because I keep some orphans. The money will go a long way in helping me get food for them,” she said.
Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid head of programmes Paul M’manjamwada said they implemented the initiative after learning how the elderly were suffering in the area.
“As you know, we are implementing a number of programmes in this area. This is one of the areas affected by disasters, so, we gave out money to cushion the impact,” he said.
Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid provided the funds with financial support from Norad through Nansen grant.
Chikwawa is one of the 23 districts President Lazarus Chakwera declared a State of National Disaster following the prolonged dry spells in the 2023/24 growing season.
