Project Summary
In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy devastated southern Malawi, severely impacting communities in Nankhumwa, Luchenza, and Nkaro. The cyclone brought torrential rains and powerful winds, causing the Nankhumwa bridge, a lifeline for the region, to collapse. This disaster left communities isolated, disrupting access to essential services such as schools, hospitals, and markets. Now, over seven months later, 231 primary school students from Luchenza Primary School are unable to attend classes, and accessing critical healthcare has become perilous for mothers with infants.
Challenges:
Cyclone Freddy destroyed numerous bridges across 13 districts, including Nankhumwa bridge, crucial for connecting outlying areas to Luchenza and major roads leading to Thyolo, Mulanje, and Blantyre. The delay in bridge reconstruction has exacerbated hardships, particularly affecting children's education and maternal healthcare access. With the rainy season approaching, there is a pressing concern that communities will once again be cut off from vital services, intensifying the existing crisis.
Proposed Solutions:
Donations to this initiative will support the construction of a permanent bridge, ensuring long-term connectivity for the communities of Nankhumwa, Nkaro, and Luchenza. By restoring access to schools, hospitals, and markets, this project aims to improve overall quality of life and foster economic growth in the region. Additionally, enhanced road connections facilitated by the new bridge will stimulate development across surrounding areas, further benefiting local residents and businesses.