By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

President Lazarus Chakwera has within a space of 24 hours commissioned two major projects in Nkhata-Bay worthy over 56 billion Kwacha which are aiming at providing safe water, economic empowerment, and improving food security for people of the Lakeshore district.

Speaking when he inaugurated a 14.7 million cubic meters Linga irrigation Dam on Friday, 8th September, 2023 at Kande in Nkhata-Bay South Constituency, President Chakwera told farmers at the scheme that they are a model, and encouraged them to continue being committed to their work.

Addressing a developmental rally at Kande ground, Chakwera said the Irrigation Dam which is the current largest Irrigation Dam in the country is the turning point of the livelihood of the People in the district as far as creation of jobs, wealth, and food security is concerned, adding that the project will be extended to other areas including Nkhotakota district.

However, in strongest terms Chakwera warned some engineers who are resisting to handover such projects after completion that he has noted of their resistance and action will be taken to make sure the projects are handed over to appropriate beneficiaries as they belong to Malawians.

“I find it unacceptable that some projects like this, were already completed but they are not put to their maximum use as some engineers are showing resistance to hand them over to the appropriate departments. They think it has gone unnoticed, but they should know that I have taken note of that, and I am giving them a notice. They have to make sure these projects like that at Lweya right here in Nkhata-Bay, Nkopola in Mangochi, and Utale in Balaka are handed over for maximum utilization” Lamented President Chakwera.

The President said if all such projects are put to maximum use and others developed, the country stands a great opportunity to create more jobs, wealth, and end hunger by having bumper yields from cultivating more than once in a season.

Speaking earlier, Malawi Congress Party Vice President, Harry Mlekanjala Mkandawire concurred with the party’s Secretary Generals, Eisenhower Mkaka and his deputy, Catherine Gotani Hara who commended President Chakwera for the developments he is distributing across the country since he came into office.

“This is one of the most important projects aiming at ending hunger in the country, and I believe women and the youth will have their specific components of cooperatives so that they are actively participating towards ending hunger, and in creation of wealth and jobs. It’s my hope that our partners ADB will continue with such projects to other districts including Mzimba” Said Gotani Hara.

She then requested all Malawians to support President Chakwera and his developmental agenda if the country is to win the battle against hunger, unemployment, and poverty.

Standing in place of Agriculture Minister, Jacob Hara who is Minister of Transport and Public Works assured President Chakwera of maximum support for him to fulfill his vision of developing Malawi in all sectors.

Constructed on the confluence of Litende and Rivuwu rivers in the area of Senior Chief Fukamapiri, Linga Irrigation Dam has a catchment area of about 2000 hectors with 1000 hectares already being developed of which 450 is already being cultivated with an estimation income of about K550 million per season. The project is currently benefiting about 800 farmers and has been constructed with assistance from African Development Bank (ADB) and Malawi Government to the tune of K25 billion.