The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) has warned survivors of Tropical Cyclone Freddy against selling relief items that the government and well-wishers are providing.
NCST Acting Director General Gift Kadzamira sounded the warning when her parastatal donated K3.6 million worth of food and non-food items at Mbulumbudzi Camp in Chiradzulu.
The donated items included cooking flour, soya pieces, kapenta and blankets to keep people warm during the incoming winter season.
“There have been rumours going around that people are selling some of the donated items; some of the donated items are not going to the intended beneficiaries. We are advising the people to love one another, share the little that is being given so it goes a long way,” said Kadzamira.
Kadzamira acknowledged what the people met and are going through is unprecedented: “We know you lost property and life. This is a huge burden; we feel for your pain.”
John Makupete, Chairperson of Disaster Preparedness Committee at community level, said the relief items will change the lives of the people.
“When people have no houses and are staying at schools, this does not give dignity. Even the toilets being used are communal; it affects the physical and mental state of mind,” he said.
The camp has 98 households, with a total population standing at 250.
