Activist launches fund
Social and political activist Ben Chiza Mkandawire has embarked on a project to transform Lilongwe slum areas by launching the Social Development Fund (SDF) in Ntandire last week.
Mkandawire and Ntandire Informal Settlement Network under village head Chigoneka are at the helm of the project.
In an e-mail interview, Mkandawire said the SDF will facilitate the construction of a hospital, school blocks and roads and empower micro-economic business activities.
“The aim of the fund is to raise money that will help develop public service infrastructure in economically marginalised communities and stimulate growth in the fast growing social enterprise sector. It will also channel investment and support from private sector companies and individuals into third sector groups who want to develop or expand social enterprise activity,” said Mkandawire.
He said phase one of the project will involve the building of Ntandire Health Centre. So far, Mkandawire said the fund has secured close to K500 000 (about $1 250).
“The SDF’s general objectives and core mandate is to fight poverty and to empower civil society working within local communities without the support of government and the interference of politicians.
“This involves implementing infrastructure projects, providing vocational skills training and upgrading,” said Mkandawire.
