Leaders and residents in Nkhatabay North have outlined urgent development needs, ranging from road upgrades and piped water to improved water transport and technical training institutions.
Speaking at Chigwere Trading Centre during President Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s whistle stop tour on Friday, Senior Chief Nyaluwanga of Mzgola thanked government for projects already underway — including electricity connection and relief support for drought-hit areas — but stressed the importance of completing the Mpamba–Chikwina–Usisya Road and the long-awaited piped water system.
“In Nkhata Bay North we now have electricity. For the first time, people here have been granted loans through NEEF. We appreciate these strides, but access to safe water is still a pressing need,” he said.
Aspiring Member of Parliament for the area, Ephraim Mganda Chiume, added that renovation of Nkhatabay Jetty and introduction of a new water vessel would improve transport safety and efficiency. He also called for the establishment of a technical college to equip young people with practical skills.
President Chakwera reaffirmed his government’s commitment, noting that just as other parts of Nkhatabay and Rumphi have benefited from new roads and piped water, the same is planned for Nkhatabay North. He also underscored the need for local processing factories to boost the farming economy.
The rally was attended by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) First Vice President Catherine Gotani Hara, MCP Secretary General and Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda, Minister of Tourism Dr Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu, and Senior Chief M’Bwana.