By Sellah Singini, MANA
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has set aside about K2 billion that will help to ensure that all the borders are closely monitored as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus into Malawi.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting Dedza Border Post on Thursday, Director General for the Department of Immigration, Masauko Medi said most Malawian borders are porous hence the need to put in place tight measures.
He said there is a need to enforce intensified patrols to ensure that every person travelling to Malawi should be screened.
“We are working with different partners at the borders. We are working with our colleagues from Health, Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and the Police to ensure that the precautionary measures are put in place at the borders,” he said.
He said the key challenge will be tracking Malawians who are currently coming back to Malawi, from South Africa, fleeing the coronavirus.
He said these individuals will definitely use undesignated routes because they do not have proper documents.
The presence of immigration officers in strategic places is paramount to prevent illegal entry of individuals into the country.
He said his department will ensure that they have a fast response team adding that they want to establish roadblocks so as to track those using uncharted routes.
“It is time for immigration officers not only to do office work but also it is time to protect the lives of Malawians by intensifying patrols in the porous borders,” he added.
He therefore said that it is the responsibility of every Malawian to look after his or her own life by following precautionary measures to prevent the virus.
According to Health Promotions Officer for Dedza District Hospital, Mwai Liabunya, Dedza district started screening people travelling to Malawi through Dedza Border Post on 16th March.
As of March 26th, 2020 about 1,121 people have been screened of coronavirus in the District.
