Malawi Red Cross Society has disbursed cash to 1 400 households affected by disasters in Machinga to support recovery efforts following floods that displaced families and destroyed homes in March this year in the district.
Red Cross secretary general Chifundo Kalulu, speaking on Wednesday during the disbursement in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlomba in the district, said the intervention seeks to help affected families rebuild their homes.
He said that an assessment the organisation conducted established that at least 1 425 households were affected, with damage to houses identified as the most severe impact of the disaster.
“When people have a house, they have dignity. That is why we are focusing on helping affected households reconstruct their homes,” said Kalulu.
He said each household is receiving at least K180 000 in the first phase, with an additional K90 000 expected in August, adding that beneficiaries are encouraged to prioritise reconstruction of their homes.
Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Department of Housing deputy director Timothy Mwale said government has put in place measures to strengthen resilience in disaster-prone districts such as Machinga.
He said the ministry developed standard housing designs accompanied by guidelines on how to construct safer and more resilient houses and that they are available free of charge.
Machinga district commissioner Martha Margaretta Sinetta said many of the affected families are still staying with relatives.
“We are grateful for the support that has come to Machinga. Many of the affected families are still staying with relatives, and this support will help them rebuild their homes and regain independence,” she said.
A beneficiary Achuwa Anusa from Kambulaje Village in T/A Mlomba said she will use the money to buy building materials.
The intervention is being implemented in Machinga and Nkhotakota districts, targeting 2 888 households affected by floods at a cost of about K1.6 billion.
