Minister Tours Flood-Hit Nkhotakota as Thousands Remain Displaced
Critics argue Malawi must invest in air and water transport to improve disaster response, particularly when floods render road networks impassable.
NKHOTAKOTA, Malawi — Defence Minister Feston Kaupa toured flood-devastated areas of Nkhotakota District, reassuring survivors of government support as damaged bridges continue hindering relief delivery to thousands of displaced residents, writes Francis Botha.
Kaupa, who previously served as transport minister, visited the hardest-hit areas including displacement camps at Mtupa, Kanyenda and Majiga, where damaged bridges have blocked delivery of relief supplies.
During his visit, a few bags of relief maize managed to cross the severely damaged Kasito Bridge on the M005 Lakeshore Road using a makeshift crossing erected by local youth.
Communities welcomed Kaupa’s presence as a sign of relief.
“We are completely cut off. The situation has been very critical, but the minister’s visit gives us hope that business will resume soon,” said Scolastica Zanyeka of Muyepa Village under Traditional Authority Kanyenda.
At Mtupi Primary School, now sheltering 589 households, traditional leader Mgwinji explained floods began Dec. 24, triggering mass rescues.
She highlighted urgent needs for food, mosquito nets and tents as schools prepare to reopen Jan. 12.
Dorothy Chikonje, member of parliament for Dwangwa, urged the government to extend camp stays until relief items are distributed, stressing that communities remain unsafe.
Department of Disaster Management Affairs Commissioner Charles Moleni admitted trucks carrying food were stuck but said smaller consignments are now being delivered to affected communities.
He revealed DoDMA financed Nkhotakota District Council to buy relief items locally since the district was cut off on all sides.
Moleni thanked Illovo, Ethco and NGOs for their support, while promising to review relocation and camp decommissioning requests.
Kaupa reassured government’s efforts, pledging temporary bridges and roads.
“Government will continue providing support, not only food but also non-food items,” he told journalists.
Local volunteers, the Malawi Defence Force and police rescued stranded families from the flood-prone Kakuyu area and other locations.
Illovo Sugar Malawi, situated in the affected area, reported damage to sugar plantations and machinery but pledged continued business.
Managing Director Ronald Ngwira said sugar stocks will last until April, though distribution is hampered by damaged roads.
Kaupa acknowledged delays in relief provision due to the disconnection of Nkhotakota, including Dwangwa, from all directions.
He assured victims that restored connectivity will allow the continued flow of food and non-food items.
On relocation, the minister said government will not rush to move families from schools until proper provisions are in place.
“This is an emergency, and it must be handled as such,” Kaufa said.
Humanitarian organisations, including Norwegian Church Aid, DanChurchAid, Care International and the Red Cross Society, are providing support in the district under DoDMA coordination.
Critics argue Malawi must invest in air and water transport to improve disaster response, particularly when floods render road networks impassable.
The floods are part of heavy rains from Dec. 26-29 that damaged infrastructure nationwide, including collapsed bridges and washed-away road diversions cutting access for thousands of residents across multiple districts.