Board Member for YISSAH Foundation, Dellings Sadick Phiri, has called for a collaborative approach in supporting and engaging in development activities, emphasizing that such responsibilities should not rest solely on the government.
Phiri made the remarks when the organization recently donated assorted relief items to 200 households at Mkadzimasika in Nkhotakota, who were affected by heavy rains and floods that began in December last year, resulting in the loss of property.
“We noticed that some families were still struggling after the floods, which is why we felt it was necessary to step in and support them with relief items to help cushion their situation,” Phiri explained.
He added that while the donated items will assist families for some time, there is still a need for other stakeholders to step in and support recovery efforts.
Phiri appealed to organizations and well-wishers not to leave the responsibility to the government alone, but to join hands in helping affected communities rebuild their lives.
“There are many organizations out there , we encourage them to come forward and assist these communities so they can recover and get back on their feet,” he said.
With financial support from the Anglican Relief and Development Fund, the foundation distributed various relief items, including soya pieces, beans, Likuni Phala, and flour, among others, valued at approximately K 26.5 million.
However, authorities stress that the long-term solution lies in relocating communities from flood-prone areas to safer, upland locations.
District Disaster Management Officer Romatchinga Nkhata expressed concern that some flood survivors remain reluctant to relocate despite ongoing engagement efforts by authorities and traditional leaders.
“It is worrying that some people are still refusing to relocate even after we have explained the dangers of remaining in flood-prone areas,” said Nkhata.
She added that safer locations have already been identified, with ongoing assessments to secure additional land for more families.
Nkhata further urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the donated items and cautioned against selling them.
“We are appealing to beneficiaries not to sell the relief items they have received, as the support is meant to help them recover. Anyone found selling the items risks being removed from the beneficiaries’ list,” she said.
Traditional leaders in the area have also echoed the call for relocation, noting that land has already been allocated for those willing to move.
Traditional Authority Kalimanjira expressed disappointment that some families are not taking advantage of the relocation opportunity.
“We have provided land for the affected households so they can move to safer areas, but it is unfortunate that some people are not responding positively to this support,” he said.
Kalimanjira also expressed gratitude to YISSAH Foundation for assisting the communities during this difficult time, noting that the support will go a long way in helping flood victims recover.
For many families in Mkadzimasika, the relief items represent more than just material support, they are a sign that recovery is possible. However, as stakeholders continue to encourage relocation, there is hope that more survivors will move to safer areas and reduce their vulnerability to future floods
