
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera Tonse administration seems unable to create one million jobs in under the first one year of its rule as per its campaign manifesto, Ministry of Labour says it has identified several sectors in which it will unlock job opportunities.
Speaking to Members of Parliament on Monday, March 22, 2021 Minister responsible, Ken Kandodo, said his ministry wishes to explore the mining sector; among others, to create jobs if responsible companies help in exploring areas with mineral deposits in the country.
“We have had several factors that really made it difficult for the economy to create one million jobs in that time. Mostly I would cite the issue of Covid-19 pandemic which not only affected Malawi, but has affected every economy in the world. You are aware that many countries went on lockdown for periods of time and that also affected movement of goods; imports and exports, and this country l, our businesses, many of them require raw materials and other things which they import from other countries,” explained Kandodo.
The minister’s remarks come at a time when most Malawians; particularly the youth, seem to have lost hope as unemployment levels seem to be alarmingly on the rise despite the Tonse Alliance led government promising during the run up to the 2020 fresh presidential election campaign that it will create one million jobs within its first one year in power.
As Kandodo stammers, it still remains to be seen if the government will fulfill the one million job campaign promise as the world at large grapples with the realities of the incessant Covid-19 pandemic.