By Solister Mogha, MANA
District Commissioner for Zomba, Dr Raphael Piringu has commended government for releasing funds meant to fight Coronavirus (COVID-19) which he said has helped the district in preparing for the pandemic.
Speaking Friday during a press briefing, the DC revealed that Zomba has received K35 million which, among others, has been used in refurbishing some quarantine and testing centres, purchase of sanitizers, fuel and allowances for the rapid response teams.
“If not for this funding, we wouldn’t have been saying we are prepared for any COVID-19 outbreak. I would therefore like to salute government for the timely funding that we started accessing this week,” Dr Piringu said.
The DC further said part of the money has also been used in training health workers on how they can handle COVID-19 suspect as well as pay for their allowances.
“We will also be doing surveillance in our islands and we have, for that matter, refurbished our boat that facilitates speed and fast travelling to Chisi and Notangota,” he said.
However, Dr Piringu said the district needed more funds for it to fully prepare against the COVID- 19 pandemic. He said a lot was required and that the funds the council received only catered for a few things.
The Government of Malawi has set aside funds for districts to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic.
