Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi, has called for fairness and transparency in the distribution of food relief under the Lean Season Response in Chikwawa District.

Addressing a gathering at Chikwawa Primary School on Friday, Usi emphasised that hunger knows no boundaries and must be addressed equitably.

“We are all here because of hunger. Hunger sees no party colours, tribe, or anything, it affects anyone. Therefore, everyone eligible to receive the maize should receive it,” said Usi.

The Vice President further issued a stern warning to district officials, urging the District Commissioner to take disciplinary action against any officers involved in unfair practices during beneficiary registration.

According to World Food Programme (WFP) Cluster Coordinator for Nsanje and Chikwawa Alinafe Kamdonyo, 5.7 million people across Malawi have been affected by El Niño and WFP will reach 2 million people.

“In Chikwawa alone, WFP, in collaboration with World Vision and the District Council, is providing monthly maize distributions to 85,441 households over a five-month period,” she said.

District Commissioner Nardin Kamba echoed the Vice President’s concerns, adding that the district has faced compounded challenges.

“The El Niño effects have come on top of Cyclone Freddy, impacting the entire district.

We are, however, thankful to the government. Beyond the Lean Season Response, over 14,000 people are benefiting from Mtukulapakhomo programme, and more than 27,000 are receiving wages through the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme,” said Kamba.

Both Usi and the District Commissioner urged beneficiaries to prioritise using the food for their families’ needs to ensure it lasts during this critical period.