Government to present disaster management bill

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says his administration will present a disaster management bill which among others regulates relocation of people from prone areas.

The president was speaking in parliament when he presented a cyclone Freddy Assessment report saying this is the first step towards rebuilding the country.

Chakwera says this is the time for all Malawians to come together and avoid politicizing the disaster or pointing figures at each other.

The president says the devastation caused by the cyclone is beyond Malawi’s ability hence asking all stakeholders and international community to continue supporting the survivors.

He however, said the rains which the country continues to receive is hampering rebuilding efforts thereby directing all cabinet ministers to make an assessment of how their sectors have been affected and bring full report on what needs to be done to completely re-build the country.

In his remarks, leader of opposition in parliament, Dr Kondwani Nankhumwa, asked the president to set up a special team of professionals to manage all funds and resources that are being provided to assist cyclone victims.

Nankhumwa says this will help in ensuring that the resources are used prudently and no politicization

Parliament resumed today after a two week break for cluster committees meetings where the members were discussing the 2023/24 national budget.

The member’s observed a one minute silent in honor of those who died due to the cyclone.