Transport slows housing programme in Likoma
Transport and geographical obstacles are hampering government efforts to deliver cement and iron sheets to roll out the Decent and Affordable Housing Subsidy Programme on Likoma Island District.
Likoma district commissioner Charles Mwawembe told The Nation of high costs of shipping building materials to the islands of Likoma and Chizumulu.
The geographically cut-off community considers ships, especially marine vessels (MV) Chilembwe and Ilala, as lifelines to the mainland where they get nearly everything for their livelihood.
However, Mwawembe said the arrival of the first shipment last month confirmed the four-hour ship trip will deplete the money budgeted to benefit those earmarked for decent building houses.
Besides, the locals require more cement to reinforce the bricks and strengthen foundations made of stones since the island largely comprises soils that are sandy to rocky in texture.
Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development principal secretary Stewart Ligomeka said government was aware of the unique nature of the island district and the cost implications of transporting construction materials from the mainland as well across the island.
He said the ministry envisages the islands becoming even more beautiful if the construction of 80 decent houses goes according to plan.
The one-constituency district will have 400 houses by 2019, said Ligomeka.
