600 Lilongwe Families Benefit from Government Maize Relief

By Peter Magawa………

At least 600 households in Lilongwe Nankhaka Constituency have benefited from a government maize distribution exercise held on Monday, aimed at easing hunger among vulnerable urban families.

Minister of Natural Resources, Patricia Wiskes, presided over the exercise at Bingu National Stadium.

She explained that the programme targets less privileged households, noting that many urban residents continue to struggle with food insecurity despite the perception that city life guarantees financial stability.

“People assume that everyone in town is fine, but many families are actually going hungry and struggling to survive.” She said.

Wiskes expressed gratitude to President Peter Mutharika for supporting the initiative, which she said is designed to reach all vulnerable citizens without discrimination.

She emphasised that no beneficiary should be excluded on political grounds.

“This support is meant for every Malawian in need. Political affiliation should not determine who receives assistance.”She added.

The minister, however, acknowledged concerns over politicisation of food aid, but maintained that proper systems were followed during distribution, with chiefs, councillors and disaster committees involved in selecting beneficiaries.

She further pointed out that government is working to reduce dependency on relief programmes through economic empowerment under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

According to her, K100 million has been allocated for women and another K100 million for youth empowerment, aimed at promoting self-reliance through soft loans.

Wiskes added that residents in Areas 49, 18 and 51 should begin preparing business proposals ahead of the upcoming loan disbursement, encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunity.