Red Cross disburses K52m to 400 families

M

alawi Red Cross Society has disbursed K52million to 400 households in Salima whose homes were destroyed by strong winds in December 2021 in the district.

The beneficiaries, who received K40 000 each, are from traditional authorities (T/A) Kuluunda, Maganga, Pemba and Kambwiri where destruction was rampant.

Speaking on Tuesday during the donation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Malawi delegate Roster Kufandiko said they donated the money to help survivors recover from their loss.

“We already donated items that addressed immediate needs after the disaster happened. Therefore, the money will enable survivors to buy materials to reconstruct their homes,” he said.

Kufandiko also encouraged beneficiaries to invest part of the money in small-scale businesses to generate more income for their families.

He said: “Our volunteers will continue to monitor the beneficiaries to ensure that they are getting back to their feet.

“During the first phase in March this year, we disbursed K52 million to 400 other households. This is the last phase. In total, we have supported 801 households with K104 million.”

One of the beneficiaries, 79-year-old Cosmas Kambwiri from T/A Kambwiri, said he was struggling to repair his house due to lack of resources.

“I will buy roofing materials to repair the house. For many months I used to sleep in a house with a makeshift roof which made my family uncomfortable,” he said.

Salima district acting disaster officer Jayaka Kipandula advised the beneficiaries to use the money for its intended purpose.

“They should construct resilient houses that can withstand strong winds. They should also plant trees around their homes to protect them from storms,” he said.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent through Emergency Appeal Fund supported the initiative.