By Rennie Tembo

Lilongwe, April 24, Mana; Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) says it is geared to support households which were affected by heavy rains and strong winds with cash so that they rebuild their homes.

Speaking on Tuesday in Lilongwe during a stakeholders meeting, Emergency Operations Coordinator for Malawi Red Cross Society Louis Solomon said they are committed to support 88 households that were affected by heavy rains and strong winds by restoring their damaged shelters.

“Our paramount objective is to respond to humanitarian needs of the affected population, as such each household will receive MK150,000 strictly for shelter rehabilitation and 20,000 people will be reached with health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene related interventions to ensure continued consumption of treated water.

“We know this might not be enough but we believe that any little amount can bring big change if put in good use and we are trying our best to mobilise resources from our donors to reach or help more households,’’ he said

Solomon further said in order to avoid giving cash to undeserving households, MRCS will give the cash in phases, to make sure that the beneficiaries are using the funds for the intended purpose.

He said to achieve the objective of the initiative, MRCS will involve all the relevant structures at district and community level throughout the entire operation.

Lilongwe District Disaster Risk Management Officer Anganile Kalonga hailed Malawi Red Cross Society for the support saying it will alleviate the challenges of the affected households.

“We are very grateful for the support by MRCS to the affected families, this will assist them to recover from the impacts of the heavy rains and strong winds and enable them build back their lives,’’ she said.

Kalonga then urged other organisation to emulate MRCS’s gesture by assisting the affected households with different interventions.

The initiative will run for three months to the tune of MK979 million and will be implemented in three districts namely: Lilongwe, Karonga and Nkhotakota

In Lilongwe the initiative will be carried out in T/A Chitseka and T/A Kalolo.