Former state presidents Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda have appealed to the private sector and Malawians of goodwill to support Tropical Cyclone Freddy survivors during the recovery stage of the disaster.

The two made the appeal Thursday in Domasi, Zomba during the handover of 14 houses constructed by Joyce Banda Foundation for survivors of the Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

Muluzi said government needs partners to complement its efforts in reaching out to every affected household, adding that government in collaboration with corporate world, development partners and people of goodwill should play a role to ensure survivors recover from the effects of the disaster.

He further said they will, as former presidents and goodwill ambassadors, use their connections to get financial resources to support survivors who are in need of humanitarian assistance in the recovery stage.

He hailed his fellow former president for leading by example, saying there are many people in the country that have abundant resources but it takes a person of goodwill to see the need to help.

Muluzi, who was guest of honour at the event, promised to support Banda in providing shelter to the homeless that suffered the effects of the disaster in Domasi.

Banda, who is founder of Joyce Banda Foundation, said she was deeply touched by the effects of the disaster on people, adding this was the reason her Foundation came in to assist the survivors in Zomba by constructing 14 houses during first phase.

“Today I would like to announce that we’re launching second phase of constructing houses and this will continue,” she added.

Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika hailed the two former leaders for their continued love for the country.

During the event, Muluzi also donated maize flour and beans to the affected people.