The government says it will need more than K24 billion to bring home thousands of Malawians stranded in South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
A budget statement prepared by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) indicates that about 15,000 Malawians require repatriation, with transportation expected to consume the largest share of the funds.
According to the document seen by Malawi24, the government has budgeted K16.8 billion for transport-related costs. This includes K14.5 billion for hiring buses, K2 billion for transport support and K83.5 million for fuel.
The statement also estimates that reception services for returning citizens will cost K1.1 billion. The allocation covers food valued at K792 million, shelter at K141 million and social protection services at K108 million.
DoDMA further projects that coordination teams involved in the operation will require K2.4 billion.
In South Africa, camp management costs are estimated at K4.2 billion as authorities continue to support affected Malawians awaiting transportation back home.
Meanwhile, the government has already repatriated 819 Malawians in the initial phase of the exercise.
The budget statement shows that K787.6 million has so far been spent on the first group of returnees.
The repatriation programme comes as authorities respond to the impact of xenophobic attacks that have left thousands of Malawians stranded in South Africa.
