Habitat to hand over 90 houses

Habitat for Humanity has constructed 90 houses for people affected by 2019 Tropical Cyclone Idai in traditional authorities (T/As) Mwambo and Ngwelero in Zomba.

The organisation is expected to hand over the houses to beneficiaries next year.

Speaking on Wednesday during a tour of the houses, Habitat for Humanity project coordinator Faith Munthali said the project faced challenges, ranging from bad road condition during the rainy season and delay in supply of building materials.

She said: “Despite the challenges, we completed the houses in the first phase within the stipulated time.

“We are now pleased because people, whose houses collapsed due to floods, will have decent shelters.”

Munthali assured beneficiaries that the newly constructed structures are resistant to disasters.

On his part, Zomba district relief and rehabilitation officer Walusungu Mwafulirwa commended Habitat for Humanity for the response.

He said: “The initiative complements government’s efforts in providing decent houses for its citizens.

One of the beneficiaries, Christina Tchowa, said she was pleased to own a decent house.

The project was funded by the United Nations Development Programme, China and Japan.