Question reference: S5W-22331
- Asked by: Kezia Dugdale, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 21 March 2019
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Current status: Answered by Ben Macpherson on 2 April 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent cyclone, whether it has plans to increase the aid it offers to Malawi, and how it can ensure that this is spent on immediate relief measures to provide food, medicine and shelter.
Answer
The Scottish Government continues to provide funding through a range of Scottish based organisations who work with their Malawian partners on the ground. These include registered charities, universities, local authorities, NHS Boards, private sector companies (acting on a not-for-profit basis) and social enterprises, with an emphasis on respectful partnership with organisations in our partner countries.
In light of the flooding in Malawi, £225,000 additional funding has been given to Strathclyde University, the Scottish Government’s implementing partner on the Water Futures Programme under the Climate Justice Fund. This additional funding is to deliver critical work addressing water resource issues, responding to the urgent need to secure water supplies, test and treat for contamination, best utilising Scotland’s expertise in water management in the immediate aftermath of the disaster in Malawi.
Separately, a further £100,000 has been granted to the Disasters Emergency Committees (DEC) Cyclone Idai appeal to support relief efforts in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. This money is being used to deliver immediate relief measures including emergency shelter kits, food, water purification tablets and urgent health assistance.
The Scottish Government is continuing to monitor the situation closely.