Zikhale calls for improved structures for refugees

Minister of Homeland Security Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma has underscored the need for adequate funding to help in building better structures at the identified refugee camp site in Chitipa district.

according to Ng’oma, this will help in improving the welfare of refugees and communities around the camp.

Speaking on Tuesday at capital hill in Lilongwe after meeting the Regional Director for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Chansa Kapaya, the minister lamented that Dzaleka refugee camp has poor structures as compared to other refugee camps within Africa.

The Minister further called upon UNHCR and other stakeholders to construct better structures at the new refugee site in Chitipa district.

He has since revealed that in due course his ministry will be working with relevant stakeholders to set a deadline for relocating refugees to Chitipa district.

“it is sad that Malawi started hosting refugees in 1994,
but if you go to the camp you will see no development,no injection of resources and no buildings that
could show that we are working with the international community, when you go to other countries like Lwanda,Uganda and Burundi who have just started you will see magnificent structures,so we need much support to build structures at Kayilizi in Chitipa,” Ng’oma explained.

Meanwhile UNHCR Regional Director for Southern Africa Chansa Kapaya has applauded the government for the efforts in supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

she has since pledged for more support to help in the establishment of the new refugee camp in Chitipa district.