MALAWI: ECM REACHES OUT TO FLOODS VICTIMS
The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), an umbrella body of Catholic Bishops in Malawi, has reached out to floods victims residing at Makina, Matiya Camps in Zomba, and Mwalija Camp in Chikwawa, with basic needs items that are meant to help the people during their stay at the displacement camps
The distribution of basic needs marked the launch of ECM 2019 Floods Response Project which the Conference will be implementing through its Development arm, Catholic Development Commission (CADECOM). Through this project, ECM will accompany the displaced people during their recovering and resettlement from camps through provision of basic items.
Plans are that with the available resources, ECM will build 450 houses for the people, 150 in each of the most affected districts of Zomba, Chikwawa and Phalombe. The project will also provide safe drinking water through drilling of boreholes.
Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM)
Most Rev Thomas Luke Msusa
Speaking during the launch at Mwalija Camp in Chikwawa, the Bishop Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi Most Rev Thomas Luke Msusa assured the people that the Catholic Bishops are concerned with the loss the people have encountered due to the floods and also with the people’s living conditions at the camps.
“We are doing this to show our solidarity with you and to fulfill our responsibility to help those in need. The Bishops do realize the difficulties you are passing through. Therefore, we asked the Catholic Development partners – Aid to the Church in Need, Cordaid, Sign of Hope, Caritas Australia and Korea through Caritas Internationalis just to mention a few – to help us with resources so that we can reach out to you. We thank them because through their help, some of your problems will be solved.
On his part, the ECM Secretary General Rev Fr. Henry Saindi said that apart from the fact that the Church cares for the spiritual aspect of people, She also cares for their physical well-being. He therefore urged all Catholic and people of good will to encourage the spirit of helping those in need.
“The Catholic Church respects the human dignity and has a preferential option for the poor. Therefore, the Bishops are here to fulfill their responsibility with the little they have managed to get from partners. They have also directed that all offerings of the Fourth Week Lent this year should go towards supporting the floods victims in the country,” said Fr. Saindi, adding that this should set an example to all Catholics.
Representing all the people at Mwalija Camp, Mr. Kadwala expressed the gratitude of the people to the Church and all the organizations for their support saying, “Food, buckets, blankets and all the items we have received are so crucial for our survival at this place.”
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