(Lilongwe City Council, 30 September 2016)

 

Hon. Kondwani Nankhumuwa, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development,

Your Worship Willie Chipondera, Mayor of Lilongwe City,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

     

As everybody knows, it was last Friday that an unexpected fire suddenly broke out in the Lilongwe Main Market, and hundreds of people suffered heavy losses. We are very sorry for what had happened in the Market, and would like to convey my sympathy and consolation to the victims on this occasion.

There's an old Chinese saying, which goes like "when disaster struck, help came from all sides". After hearing the sad news, the Overseas Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Lilongwe touched by the report of the horrible fire and many of them, both young and old are reaching into their pockets to give a hand to the victims. Even though the numbers of Chinese nationals in Malawi are very few, but they are willing to contribute their best with a heart of benevolence and kindness. This time, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce is going to donate twelve million Kwacha, in cash, to the Lilongwe Main Market, for the purpose of disaster relief and reconstruction. I hope this money will be in good use, and can help to rebuild their shops and stands. And I hope the Market could be back to normal as soon as possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Just as what I mentioned at our National Day Celebration Reception last evening, China and Africa are always good friends, good partners and good brothers. China has been committed to strengthen its cooperation with Africa for the purpose to assist African countries to achieve economic independence and win the battle against poverty.

As a true friend of Malawi, the Chinese Government always answers the call of the Malawian people. We are not only doing big projects like the Parliament Building, the Bingu National Stadium, the Malawi University of Science and Technology, etc. we are not only doing cooperation between two governments, what we are doing in Malawi is covering all areas, from big to small, from governmental to non-governmental, and down to the grass level. For instance, the donation made the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, shows that the Chinese community in Malawi has a strong sense of social responsibility. It also shows that we care about people's well-being at the grass level. It also shows that the Chinese nationals here are caring about the development of local community.

To conclude my remarks, I want to say that a friend in need is a friend indeed. We are always standing by your side; we are always sharing the same breath with you and are always ready to extend a helping hand to you.

Thank you.