GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REFUGEES WELFARE

Senior administrative officer in the Department of Refugees in the Ministry of Homeland Security Hilda Kausiwa has reiterated its call on donors and partners to help fast-track the development of the newly identified place for refugee camp in Chitipa.
The call was made Wednesday, on the sidelines of a visit to Dzaleka refugee camp in Dowa by the Canadian ambassador, where Kausiwa revealed that the government is facing several challenges such as limited shelter, provision of clean and portable water, education, and health services.
“We do not have adequate land to allocate plots for shelter construction as a result government has allocated a new piece of land in Chitipa and we appeal to donors to help us in developing the land,” said Kausiwa
Kausiwa conceded that the camp is having environmental challenges as the camp’s residents resort to cutting down trees in search of fuel for cooking.
“The is a need for alternative sources of fuel for energy because now refugees resort to cutting down the trees hence the need for support to conserve the environment,” said Kausiwa
Kausiwa highlighted that the decision to open another camp in Chitipa is aimed at decongesting the Dzaleka refugee camp.
She also expressed worry about the World University Service of Canada’s (WUSC) decision to suspend services at the camp saying the decision will negatively affect youths who were studying to get such opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Canadian ambassador to Malawi Adler Aristilde described the visit as a good learning experience and commended the Malawi government for the work that they are doing in the camp.
Aristilde indicated that the provision of protection services to refugees is a priority for the Canadian government.
He also indicated that his delegation took note of the suspension of services by WUSC and he promised to look into the factors that led to the suspension and possibly resolve them.
“We understand the impact that such a scholarship had on the youths of this community. We will enquire about what transpired for such a decision to be arrived at, and possibly look for alternative means for such a program to continue here,” said Aristilde.
The tour facilitated by the catholic commission for Peace and Justice (CCJP) came a day after the ambassador presented his letter of credence to President Chakwera on Tuesday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.