Thousands of families affected by flash floods in Southern Province’s Bweengwa and Namwala districts have received relief aid from Zambeef Products Plc and its cooperating partners, Pembe Flour Mills Ltd and Parrogate.
The aid included mealie meal, flour, cooking oil, assorted foodstuff, and other essential items such as chlorine.
Zambeef Executive – Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Ezekiel Sekele explained that the company was concerned with the effects the devastating floods have had on rural communities and thus decided to intervene.
He noted that management remains committed to uplifting the living standards of people in its area of operations which is reflected in the company’s policy of buying most of its cattle from rural farmers including those in Namwala and Bweengwa – who are its largest suppliers.
He said: “Zambeef’s growth is rooted in the community hence we thought it necessary to support the affected households by providing them with critical supplies. By coming to the aid of the flood victims, we are complementing the government’s effort of supporting vulnerable communities during this period of unusually heavy rainfall being experienced across the country.”
Meanwhile, Bweengwa Member of Parliament Hon. Kasautu Michelo hailed Zambeef’s willingness to work with the government to help affected households find their feet in their time of need.
And, Namwala Member of Parliament Hon. Moono Mapani appealed to more private businesses to join in efforts to provide support to the flood victims.
Hon. Mapani said: “Government has been urging the private sector to come on board to help us ease the effects of these floods. We as the local leadership cannot manage alone and need further assistance to ensure this problem is curtailed. Therefore, this gesture by Zambeef shows that the company does not only focus on profit-making but also supporting local communities.”
Speaking when he received the donated items, Namwala District Commissioner, who is also in charge of disaster management in the area, Mr Ephraim Shandavu revealed that the flash floods that lasted for close to five days, have led to the loss of property, homes and have caused other devastating effects in the two districts.
“We have been in a terrible situation since the floods started. Farming activities have been halted because maize fields have been destroyed and many small-scale farmers have lost their livestock. Even schools and clinics have collapsed,” he explained.
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