By Arnold Mnelemba
Chiefs in Nkhatabay have pledged total support to former President and People’s Party (PP )leader Dr. Joyce Banda in her quest to achieve sustainable social economic development for the country.
The chiefs made the pledge at a meeting where the chiefs invited Dr. Banda at Mpamba, in the area of Traditional Authority, T/A Timbiri, in Nkhatabay.
The chiefs converged at World Vision Hall and were drawn from Nkhatabay North West constituency and neighbouring constituencies.
The Chiefs decorated Dr. Banda for spearheading development projects that are of great value to the people of NkhataBay.
T/A Timbiri of Nkhatabay said the Former Malawi leader did her best to restore chief’s dignity in within her 2 year term of office.
Timbiri heaped praise to Banda who he said initiated various development activities for the people of Nkhatabay.
Timbiri said it is very unfortunately that some of the projects initiated by Banda have been abandoned.
”We are aware that you are the one who started construction of Mzuzu-Nkhatabay road. Whatelse would one ask for from a caring leader,” said Timbiri.
The chiefs have since called upon the People’s Party President to reason with the authorities to ensure that problems affecting people in the area are dealt with once and for all.
They cited lack of adequate school blocks, Mpamba hospital which is in dilapidated state and Mpamba market as examples of some state responsibilities that have been obligated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Joyce Banda has assured the chiefs of her continued support towards social economic development as well as personal development of every Malawian especially the less privileged and the vulnerable.
”What I did from 2012 to 2014 was phase one. This time, I am coming with phase two. Pro-poor development agenda that is going to uplift welfare of fellow Malawians,” said Banda.
She took time to explain on how she intends to uplift lives of rural people especially women through provision of free and portable electricity.
Dr. Banda said she will start an initiative that will see every household getting portable electricity for lighting, phone charging and cookery.
The PP President assured the chiefs that she knows which buttons to touch in a bid to ensure that the rural electricity program as well as other pro-poor programs are well executed and effectively achieved.
Nkhatabay chiefs
The former Malawi leader also spoke on education, agriculture, health, energy and mining, social protection as well as wealth creation and economic empowerment.
Speaking before Banda was the party’s Vice President for the North Ralph Mhone who commended Banda for accepting the chief’s call to visit them.
On her way, Dr Banda made an abrupt stop at Sanga Trading Centre where she assured the people of her commitment to address challenges many Malawians are facing.
The former Malawi leader is currently on a tour of duty in the northern region.
A waste of time