Delegates to the Nsanje and Chikwawa Socio-Economic Development Trust (Neck) People’s Conference have resolved to unite in lobbying government to address critical infrastructure and service delivery gaps undermining the Shire Valley’s economic potential.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Chikwawa on Saturday, the delegates highlighted the Thabwa-Fatima Road, the M1 section through the Shire Valley and Marka-Bangula Railway among infrastructure projects requiring urgent attention.
They also called for the full operationalisation of the Shire Valley Transformation Project by May 2027, rehabilitation of small irrigation schemes, commencement of construction of Bangula University by December 2027, construction of at least 150 flood-resilient classrooms by June 2028 and commencement of construction of a new Chikwawa District Hospital by December 2028.
| MacMillan Mhone
Neck organising co-chairperson Gift Trapence said people and stakeholders from the two districts will coordinate their efforts to engage government and elected leaders on the resolutions.
“We will present resolutions from the conference to government and elected duty bearers and follow up on their implementation,” he said.
In his presentation on governance, University of Malawi professor Michael Chasukwa said development of a people’s manifesto covering key sectors in Chikwawa and Nsanje could provide a basis for holding elected leaders accountable for development commitments.
He called on Neck to mobilise communities to demand greater involvement in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects.
On his part, Senior Chief Mlilima of Chikwawa described the underdevelopment of the two districts as unfortunate, considering the years of donor-funded interventions in local communities.
He welcomed the involvement of professionals with links to the districts in advocating for development.
“We hope that through such advocacy, the government will listen to our pleas on key development projects,” said Mlilima.
Established in 2020, Neck brings together people and stakeholders with links to Chikwawa and Nsanje to promote sustainable socio-economic development in the two districts.
