By Steve Chirombo
DEDZA-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera on Friday said his campaign period has been to engage with the electorates and also unveiling his plans for the next five years.
He made the sentiments at Golomoti Trading Centre which is under Dedza Golomoti Constituency in Dedza district during a whistle stop tour.
According to Chakwera, his stance throughout the campaign period has been about plans to develop the nation, while calling on everyone to end the campaign period peacefully.
“Throughout my campaign, I haven’t fought anyone, I dint insult anyone not even calling them names. I have never fought back any remarks made against me. Let’s do likewise and end the campaign period in peace. This will give a true picture out there that we don’t entertain any violence,” said Chakwera.
On development, the president said his government has put in place stringent measures to ensure all development projects being implemented are durable.
He told vendors at Golomoti Trading Centre that he understands how they feel when prices of commodities keep rising and that some measures were being put in place to lessen the burden.
“That is why we want the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to be a bank so that you can access soft loans to boost your businesses. Those that accessed the loans before can testify looking at the fruits they are bearing now,” said Chakwera.
He added that, for example, some people who accessed loans from NEEF and invested in irrigation farming, have now started enjoying the fruits.
Chakwera further said government has put in place both immediate and long-term measures to aid Malawians, citing Tsogolo Langa Account as one long term measure that will enable beneficiaries be financially independent.
“A country that develops not only depends on a few millionaires. But through this account, we will produce more millionaires in the near future who will be able to invest in areas of their interest while also contributing positively to the development of our country,” he added.
The president however, hailed people of Golomoti for their continued hardworking, saying the only setbacks are the dry spells the area experiences, but said through NEEF, people in the area will now be able to diversify.
Aspiring Member of Parliament (MP) for Dedza Golomoti Constituency, Robert Kalindiza, hailed Chakwera for visiting the area.
He said Affordable Inputs have already started being dispatched to the area which clearly shows that people in the area will be able to access them in good time.
“Our plea is on the road going through the market. We need your support that it should be upgraded for a conducive environment to those doing various businesses here,” he said.
