Chilima impressed with Nkhata Bay, Likoma councils on reforms progress
By Samuel Kalimira
Vice President Saulos Chilima has said he is impressed with how Likoma and Nkhata Bay District councils are progressing in reforms especially in the health, education and tourism sectors.
Chilima has then stressed the need for the government to invest more in the tourism sector in districts that are along Lake Malawi, stressing Likoma and Nkhata Bay.
He was speaking on Thursday in Nkhata Bay after inspecting some of the activities implemented under reforms at Likoma and Nkhata Bay councils, an activity under reform progress review and validation.
“Am glad that these councils and officials are speaking one language. That is to boost the tourism sector, ensuring education standards keep on improving and quality health services for all. This is what should always be encouraged,” Chilima said.
Chilima then said he will visit Likoma after three months to appreciate areas which have made progress and understand where the government can come in, for serious investment.
Likoma District Council Chairperson Barnabas Sambamo requested Chilima to lobby for construction of a district hospital, as people from the islands of Likoma and Chizulumulu are struggling to access quality health services.
“We have told him that our poor reports are because of the vacancy rate at our council. We have people in positions that work on an acting basis and some need to be supported on how best to write reports,” Sambamo said.
Chilima inspected how Nkhata Bay District Hospital is running a private ward, restaurant and printing services at the facility as one of generating revenue for the facility.
He also visited Nkhata Bay Education offices to appreciate how the district is topping in primary education, a development he said should also be emulated by other districts.
