Vicar General Launches COVID-19 Relief Distribution
By Maureen Pity Soko
Responding to the hunger situation and the hardships people are going through in the country due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Diocese of Karonga on Tuesday launched Food Relief Distribution at Lughali in the area of Principal Group Village Head Kayuni, under the Traditional Authority (T/A) Kyungu in Karonga District where one hundred (100) households received 3 (50 kilogram) bags of maize and 20 kilograms of beans each.
Speaking during the launch, the Vicar General Monsignor Denis Chitete, said it is the duty and mission of the diocese to always come in and assist the poor and vulnerable especially during difficult times.
“As a diocese, we think it’s our duty, calling and mission to always identify with the poorest of the poor especially in difficult times. In the midst of Covid-19 we deemed it important that we should come up with a project to give food relief mainly to the elderly and vulnerable to protect their lives as well as boosting their immune system.” said the Vicar General.
Monsignor Chitete further condemned the act of killing elderly people on witchcraft allegations. He said the diocese will continue condemning such acts as it is done to people who are poor and less privileged.
“What has been happening in this area is inhuman and discouraging. We said we will stop all projects and activities in such areas but due to the pandemic, the Bishop has decided to help. As diocese we will continue to condemn such acts because the ones to suffer are the less privileged and it is counterproductive,” the Vicar General said.
Receiving the donation, Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson for Lupembe Orwin Ndovi, expressed gratitude as the donation will help the people, especially the elderly, as they were failing to find food for themselves.
“I am thankfulness to the Bishop and the whole Diocese of Karonga for the donation. The Food items will help my people as they struggle to source for themselves, especially the elderly,” Ndovi said.
Catholic Scouts of the Diocese of Karonga are leading the relief distribution exercise after identifying and verifying beneficiaries. A similar exercise will be done in Mpata and Nyungwe respectively.