Mzimba gets new council office

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa on Saturday launched construction of the K2.5 billion office complex at M’mbelwa District Council in Mzimba.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, the minister said government will construct similar facilities in Ntcheu, Thyolo and Mzuzu City

Currently, M’mbelwa District Council staff uses dilapidated colonial buildings which are congested and falling apart.

Nankhumwa described the cracked buildings, formerly a residence of founding president Hastings Kamuzu Banda, as risky  and unfavourable for workers.

“I toured the building and it can collapse anytime.  Space is limited as two or three officers are sharing one office.

“This is why government decided to construct a new office complex for the council,” he said.

Nakhumwa said the complex—a three-story affair comprising 82 offices, four boardrooms and a conference area—will change the face of Mzimba and boost workers’ morale.

He asked the contractors, Dec  Construction Company, to adhere to deadlines and high standards.

District council chairperson Fumu Mdolo said the office block, to take shape at what used to be Mzimba Airfield, will improve service provision for the good of the people of Mzimba.

“The old building has many cracks, putting lives of workers in danger,” he said.

According to Nankhumwa, government expects the project to be completed in 18 months. n