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Banana Planting, A Step Towards Curbing Disasters – Chilima

Banana Planting, A Step Towards Curbing Disasters – Chilima

Vice President Saulos Chilima has called on communities in Thyolo to embrace banana farming as a way to prevent future disasters.

Chilima said this when he visited Mathiya and Molele Camps in Thyolo to appreciate the extent of damages caused by Cyclone Freddy.

“As we are mourning the losses we have incurred due to the disaster, let us reflect on what we can do to rebuild our lives. One such important aspect is restoring the vegetation cover to prevent future incidents like these. If we could cover up all bare land with bananas, vetiver grass and trees, some of these incidents can be history,” he said.

Chilima stressed on the need for the people of Thyolo to take advantage of the misfortune by planting bananas as they do well in the district, thereby preventing water runoff.

Senior Chief Thukuta thanked the government and the Member of Parliament for Thyolo South, Mabvuto Scott for assisting those affected with shelter, food and other materials.

Most of these people have lost everything they had. They needed someone to look after them.

“We appreciate the assistance we have been receiving. It is not enough but we are able to get by the day,” he said.

Representing fellow survivors at Mathiya Camp, Martin White said he was one of the people who got injured as his house fell on him.

“I and my whole family are living in the camp. I do not know what I will do now considering that my maize field got washed away with running water, yet my children are looking at me to provide their basic needs,” he said.

Due to the cyclone, Thyolo District recorded 16 deaths with over 8,000 households affected and currently has 60 camps.

(By Brenda Nkosi, Malawi News Agency)

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Last modified on Friday, 24/03/2023

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