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Chakwera chides gaps in investment

President Lazarus Chakwera says neglect and lack of investment in critical areas, including water has made Malawi more vulnerable to disease outbreaks.

Speaking when he inspected the $30.55 million (K31.3 billion) Nkhata Bay Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Nkhata Bay yesterday, Chakwera said potable water for all is part of the great vision for achieving the Malawi 2063.

Chakwera (R) inspects Mzuzu City Council Civic Offices with Mzuzu City Council CEO Gomezgani Nyasulu

“Nkhata Bay as a secondary city, needs potable water because without it, Malawi is being faced with outbreaks of waterborne diseases,” he said in reference to the cholera outbreak which this year has claimed over 123 lives nationally with Nkhata Bay District as the epicentre of the disease having reported 1 088 cases and 29 deaths.

The project which is expected to be completed in March 2023, is being implemented by the Northern Region Water Board and will benefit over 105 000 people.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, Chakwera said Malawi has been susceptible to disease outbreaks because, among others, it has not invested in critical developments that could make it self-reliant.

According to Chakwera, gaps of neglect in investment in critical areas are now showing up.

“I am satisfied with what I have seen here and the works are top-notch,” he said.

Later in the day, Chakwera also inspected the K12 billion Mzuzu City Council Civic Offices Project and K20 billion Mzuzu City Youth Centre Project.

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