By Blessings Gondwe & Feston Malekezo:
President Lazarus Chakwera entered the Northern Region Tuesday with a message that his government is determined to develop the area just as it is developing the rest of the country.
Chakwera said the region has struggled to develop over the years due to challenges such as corruption.
He made these comments at Jenda Rural Growth Centre in Mzimba South, the gateway to the North, which is considered a critical kingmaker in national elections.
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The President was en route to Mzuzu, where he is scheduled to undertake various official duties.
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He warned against corruption in the shortlisting of beneficiaries for social support interventions, saying such practices undermine the programmes’ objectives.
“I am pleased to see that districts like Mzimba are performing well in repaying loans. Our intention is for the government to provide more loans to more people,” he said, referring to loans provided through the National Economic Empowerment Fund.
Malawi Congress Party Deputy Secretary General Catherine Gotani Hara acknowledged the challenges facing the region but expressed hope that the government would address them.
Gotani Hara, who is also the Speaker of Parliament, mentioned discussions about an onion market in India and urged the Ministry of Trade to facilitate exports so that farmers in Mzimba District could benefit.
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On his way to Mzuzu, Chakwera also stopped at Luviri in Mzimba District, where he inaugurated works under the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep) 9.
The President reiterated that his government will continue to electrify rural areas across the country to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods.
In an interview with The Daily Times, Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola indicated that the government is electrifying 460 areas under Marep 9, which has a budget of K70 billion.
Sub-Traditional Authority Chiputula Nhlane of Mzimba commended the government for bringing electricity closer to the people.
The traditional leader noted that previously, women had to travel long distances to access maize milling services at Champhira and Jenda trading centres, far from their homes.
While in the Northern Region, Chakwera is also expected to attend this year’s Umthetho Cultural Festival and a graduation ceremony at Mzuzu University.
