The Germany Ambassador in Malawi, Jurgen Borsch on Thursday asked government to fast track the process of securing new upper land for flood survivors’ in Lower-shire.
Borsch said this when he cheered and distributed relief items to 350 families affected by floods in Chikwawa, currently living at Mwalija camp.
Ambassador added that it was heartbreaking seeing villages completely damaged by the floods because they were located in low areas.
“There is no life in this village. This is really heartbreaking. People are really suffering and we promise to be with them and adequately support them,” said Borsch.
The Ambassador said time is now to be open to the people to permanently settle in upper places and that they can be going to low areas for farming.
He said his government is ready to provide support to communities to re construct their houses, drilling boreholes and building other essential public infrastructures.
“This is the reason that our government has been supporting Mwalija Solar Irrigation Scheme which has also been affected by the floods. We promise to do all what we can to improve the living standards of people,” said the Ambassador.
Acting Chief Kasisi promised to encourage the people to settle in upper areas.
Recently, Chief of Party for Catholic Relief Services, Dane Fredenberg and Stephanos Foundation Executive Director, Clifford Kuyokwa, also indicated the need for those staying in flood prone areas to go upland.
Fredenberg who has been instrumental in UBALE Chikwawa CADECOM program said what is needed is to encourage communities’ plant more trees along rivers and promoting natural regeneration.
“Through Ubale we have done a lot. We been promoting agriculture business, food security, tree planting, nutrition and encouraging village savings and loans,” said the Chief of Party.
Kuyokwa Stephanos Foundation said that apart from distributing relief food items to flood survivors, there is need to enhance solar irrigation.
