The Lilongwe-based ERIMA investment has donated relief items worth over MK2 million to assist people affected by Moderate Tropical Storm ANA in some parts of the country.

The items include bedsheets, clothes, shoes for babies and women, umbrellas, plates, cups, basins among others.

Speaking on Friday when he handed over the items to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) at Capital Hill; Lilongwe, General Manager for ERIMA, Elias Afewerki said they believe that the donation will alleviate challenges being faced by the affected.

“We saw the suffering of the people and decided that we reach out with the little we had. We hope that the donation will make a difference and put a smile on someone’s face,” said Afewerki.

Receiving the donation, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba thanked ERIMA for the kind gesture towards the affected persons.

Kalemba said the devastation is huge and every hand that stretches to help makes a difference.

“On behalf of the Government of Malawi, I want to say thank you to ERIMA for the donation. What you have done today is no little gesture for it will touch lives of the affected and will relieve the pain they have gone through,” said Kalemba.

He assured ERIMA that whatever they have donated will be channeled towards the intended beneficiaries.

He added that DoDMA will be transparent as much as it can and will account for every donation made to gain the confidence of those that think DoDMA will abuse the donations made.

Kalemba encouraged those that want to make donations to inform DoDMA for coordination purposes so that the affected are equally assisted.

He said: “We call upon all well-wishers to inform us so that we coordinate areas of assistance to avoid duplication. Even those that have donations but lack transport should come to us so that we provide transport to the affected areas.

ERIMA Investment is located at the Gateway Complex and sells clothes and assorted items.