Lions aid refugees

THE Lions Club District 413 has donated assorted goods worth $20,000 to aid refugees in the country.

Receiving the donation of commodities, Zambia’s Commissioner for Refugees in the Home Affairs ministry, Abdon Mawere welcomed the gesture and said it would help government deal with the influx of refugees in the country.

Mr Mawere said government was determined to help refuges but also needed assistance from stakeholders and it was therefore a timely gesture that the charity organization made by providing an assortment of goods.

Zambia has received an influx of well over 8,000 refugees fleeing the civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This has put a strain on the national resources in the bordering districts of Nchelenge where most refugees are hosted.

Lions Club District 413 governor Jessica Choobe who handed over the donation said the organisation was moved to help following please to aid the plight of refugees.

The donated items included blankets, cloths, mosquito nets and assorted medicines.

UNHCR resident representative, Pierrine Ayiara praised the Lions Club for the donation to refugees and assured the organization that this would be of great help.

President Edgar Lungu visited Nchelenge last month to make an on the spot inspection of the refugee crisis. The President had appealed to well wishers and other cooperating partners to help the government deal with the influx of refugees.