Stay away from river banks— Peter Mutharika
President Peter Mutharika has asked people of Mtandire and surrounding areas to desist from cultivating along river banks to avoid being affected by floods.
Mutharika on Wednesday visited flood victims who are camping at Chimbalame Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (C.C.A.P) in Mtandire, Lilongwe.
He also said people should avoid having substandard houses but strive to construct strong houses that can withstand disasters.
“Let us try to build strong houses and not to cultivate along the rivers. But, instead, we should be planting trees to mitigate the effects of flooding. Houses have been destroyed because they are so close to the river bank,” he said
During the visit, Mutharika also provided the victims with relief items such as maize flour, blankets and plastic buckets.
Vice-President Saulos Chilima, who is responsible for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, reiterated that any person who will be caught taking advantage of the resources channeled to the victims will be taken to task.
“I have already heard that within these few days some people who are helping victims here have already started taking advantage of these resources.
Let us be human. And I must warn you don’t lead us into temptations because the law will take its course,” he said
Group Village Head Chigoneka appealed for more support for victims to be assisted accordingly.
Meanwhile reports indicate that over 2, 000 people have been affected.
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