All is set for Malawi’s 51st independence celebrations on Monday at Kamuzu Stadium, with Zambia President Edgar Lungu and Kenya Deputy President William Ruto expected to be among senior foreign dignitaries gracing the event.
Former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano is also expected to join Malawians in the celebrations under the theme, toward transformation and inclusive development.
Briefing journalists in Blantyre on Saturday, Dr Goodall Gondwe, who also Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development said Government plans to spend about K300 million.
“The Theme is in line with Malawi vision in trying to move the country moving forward in its development agenda countrywide and beyond.
“All this can be achieved if there is delivery of public services. In other 50 years to come, we would like to see Malawi being a producing and exporting country,” said Gondwe.
According to Dr Gondwe, Capital Hill spent about K250 million during last year’s celebrations, but said the budget has been increased due to the coming in of foreign officials.
This year the budget is a bit higher comparing to last year. This is so because we have invited foreign dignitaries for our celebrations. In Malawi we have also sent invitation to all opposition party leaders. It will be a sad development if one decides not attends the event.
“This government is looking for unity among all Malawians and it is a function that everyone is supposed to come regardless of any affiliations,” said Gondwe.
Blantyre City Council (BCC) Mayor Noel Chalamanda was excited with government’s choice of Blantyre for the celebrations.
He said the city has iconic features like the Independence Ark, and promised to make it more beautiful with the Keep Blantyre Clean and Green Initiative.
“Despite facing much vandalism, Blantyre is still on the right track. May I ask anybody in the city to look for the infrastructures well? Vandalism has heavily affected BCC operations,” said Chalamanda adding that street lights have been a victim of vandalism in the city.
Later, Minister of Information Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa and Blantyre Mayor Noel Chalamanda commissioned independence celebrations lights at the Clock Tower Round About.
