Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation Joel Chigona says government is banking on mining as an economic driver to realise aspirations in the country’s long-term development strategy, Malawi 2063 (MW20263).
He said this on Monday in Karonga District during the visit at Ngara Community Technical College to appreciate the artisanal mining programme the college is offering.
Said Chigona: “As you are aware, the government is relying on the mining sector in its Malawi 2063 development plan to transition the country from an exporter of raw materials to an industrialised powerhouse to spur the country’s socio-economic growth
“Therefore, we need such schools of excellence to offer artisanal mining programmes for value addition and testing in our own laboratories instead of taking our minerals in bulks outside the country for testing.”
The minister assured Karonga residents that Ngara will become a national technical college to efficiently shape skillful artisanal miners.
Chigona also tipped Karonga District Council to tap from the K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to construct hostels and a kitchen to accommodate many students on campus.
Paramount Chief Kyungu of Chitipa and Karonga districts commended government for the programme, saying the two districts, which are endowed with natural resources, need such programmes to enable the youth to develop the mining sector.
Karonga District Council chairperson Atusaye Mwenifumbo said since the current CDF guidelines empower community leaders to identify development projects, he will court development committee structures to include construction of hostels in their village action plans.
One of the learners, Etness Mponela said apart from identifying fake and genuine precious stones, they are able to make jewelry.
College principal Glyn Nyorongo bemoaned shortage of high tech equipment and limited technical know-how of instructors in the field.
