Big trees, poles pose danger to market

Community leaders in Senior Chief Ngokwe in Machinga say big trees and electricity wires around Ngokwe Market are posing danger to lives and property in the area.

In an interview on Monday, Ngokwe Area Civil Protection Committee (ACPC) secretary Chifundo Ntokoma said 30-metre-tall trees are close to electricity wires.

He warned of impending fire accident in the event that tree branches fall on the wires.

“We are afraid the market, bus depot and houses are in danger,” said Ntokoma.

He said his committee has reported the issue to Machinga District Council and Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom).

Machinga district risk reduction officer Shepherd Jere confirmed having received a letter from the committee.

“Basically, the committee is informing us of the potential danger around Ngokwe Market. We have since advised them to inform Escom to cut the trees,” he said.

Jere commended the committee for being proactive.

Machinga District Council in May this year oriented the district’s 20 ACPCs in disaster management.