Iceland Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson has called on Malawians to continue working hard in providing solutions to problems besetting the country.
Benediktsson made the remarks on Tuesday when he appreciated progress of projects which his government is implementing in Mangochi under the Mangochi Basic Social Support Programme.
Among other sites, he visited Koche Model School, where the government of Iceland constructed 18 classrooms, nine teachers’ houses and sanitary facilities.
The minister also visited Mangochi District Hospital Maternity Wing, which has two functioning theater rooms that have been erected to offer services to pregnant women that require surgical procedures.
Benediktsson said he was particularly impressed that their footprints in Mangochi are directly helping local people.
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“It is more than pleasing that the local people are also taking a leading role in making sure that these facilities are being taken care of and we pledge that we will continue being here by expanding our operations. We want to further encourage people in Malawi to be part of the solutions to problems which are available,” he said.
Benediktsson further lamented the fertility rate in Mangochi which, he said, is twice as much as that in Iceland.
“I have been informed that about 40 children are born every day at the main maternity wing, which is twice as much compared to our main facility. This is something which has to be checked,” he said.
In his remarks, Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda hailed the government of Iceland for being a true friend for Malawi, in terms of taking care of people.
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“We are happy that you have visited us to appreciate how the support is being used. We hope that the relationship will continue,” Chimwendo Banda said.
