National Bank of Malawi plc on Friday (4th March, 2022) donated assorted relief items worth K50 million to over 2,000 people who were affected by Tropical Storm ANA-induced floods in Nsanje District.
Speaking in Nsanje during the handover ceremony of the donation, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Macfussy Kawawa, said the gesture was triggered by the concern for the affected and displaced households.
“As a corporate citizen, we heard the reports on loss of livelihood for the affected people following the effects of the floods and the President’s [Dr. Lazarus Chakwera] appeal for support.
“We got so concerned and it pleased our board to approve a K50 million package of relief items which we have brought here. As a good corporate citizen, we wanted to be within the support structures that are assisting the affected people,” said Kawawa.
The CEO further called upon organisations, companies and individuals of goodwill to emulate the bank’s gesture and stretch a helping hand to the affected people.
“The challenges being faced by the affected people are enormous. As National Bank, we would always want to do something and support the affected people. We will go back and should we find space, we will certainly do that [make some more donations].
“We would like to appeal to those that have not yet made a donation to come forward and assist. if we all brought the little we have, I am sure a lot of the affected people will have their challenges alleviated,” said Kawawa.
In his remarks, Department of Disaster Management Affairs’ Director of Response and Recovery, Rev. Moses Chimphepo said the department was grateful for the bank’s gesture.
“We are very thankful to National Bank for the donation. When the country was hit by Tropical Storm ANA, His Excellency the President Dr Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster in the affected areas and appealed for support.
“National Bank of Malawi has brought food and non-food relief items to assist the affected people, this is a positive response to the President’s call and will go a long way towards complementing government’s effort in addressing the needs of the affected and challenges they are facing following the disaster,” said Chimphepo.
He then echoed Kawawa’s appeal for more assistance towards the affected people.
“We are planning for the provision of a return-home package for the displaced households and this calls for support from organisations, businesses and individuals of good will,” said Chimphepo.
Among others, the donated relief items include maize flour, rice, sugar, soya pieces, cooking oil, plastic sheets for temporary roofing, buckets, basins and plates.
