Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday directed Cabinet to craft a plan to render humanitarian assistance to Cyclone Freddy stricken Malawi which has lost over 300 dead, and suffered extensive damage to homes and social services.
This was revealed by the Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere during the 6th post cabinet briefing.
“In response to the appeal for assistance by Malawian President His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera to his fellow SADC Heads of State and Government, Cabinet has constituted a Disaster Relief Committee led by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to draw up a comprehensive assistance package for disaster-stricken Malawi. The Committee will liaise with the Government of Malawi on modalities for conveying the relief package,” said Minister Muswere.
Furthermore, Government has called on the private sector, national institutions and citizens to donate to the people of the Republic of Malawi which is also battling the ravaging cholera pandemic.
“Cabinet has directed that the mobilization of relief assistance should commence immediately and include 10 000 metric tonnes of mealie meal; cooking oil; blankets; clothing; construction material for cabins; sanitisers, detergents, bath soaps, stationery and other learning materials. To widen the scope of donations to Malawi, Government is encouraging the private sector, national institutions and citizens to donate generously to this worthy cause,” he said.
Meanwhile, Government continues to engage and re-engage the regional and international community as it pushes ahead with its mantra that ‘Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none.
