Malpractices mar relief items distribution
Malpractices have marred the distribution of relief items to flood victims with reports suggesting that some people are diverting the items meant for people affected by floods in Karonga District.
Floods that hit the district on February 24 this year have displaced 4 555 people.
The revelations have angered President Lazarus Chakwera who visited the Kambwe Noil Camp yesterday and warned that the government will not tolerate such malpractices.
The President said he was saddened about elements of theft and corruption involving relief items meant for vulnerable people.
He said: “As people in the camps, you know very well who is doing this shameful act. But we have a very bad culture where we tend to hide those we know are engaged in theft or corruption but apportion blame to others.
“When help comes, let it go to people who deserve it. Let us love one another, because we can’t continue doing things so that other people continue suffering.”
Speaking during the President’s visit, Paramount Chief Kyungu said some people were taking advantage of the dire situation in camps to steal relief items.
“It is unfortunate that while the government and other partners are helping with support, other people are hiding such items from real beneficiaries,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika also confirmed that elements of corruption were prevalent in the distribution of relief items.
“We are concerned with the plight of people as a result of the floods. But there is too much theft of relief items here in Karonga.
“As the Paramount Chief stated, there is a lot of relief items shortage, and it seems someone is not doing their job as expected,” he said.
According to Department of Disaster Management Affairs director of disaster response and recovery Moses Chimphepo, 911 households or 4 555 people have been affected in Karonga, with 516 people in five camps.
He said six schools namely, Chinsembe, Kisindile, Lupaso, Masoko, Silu and Malungo were also affected, thereby affecting 2 549 learners due to suspension of teaching and learning, while 688.8 hactares of crops belonging to 1 664 farming families were damaged.
