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Delayed irrigation project worries MP

Member of Parliament (MP) for Karonga Central Frank Mwenifumbo (independent) on Tuesday took to task Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza over the long-awaited Nthola-Ngosi Green Belt irrigation project in Karonga.

What is happening?
What is happening?

Mwenifumbo asked the minister to explain why designs for the project have not yet been completed, three years after approval by Parliament.

He said: “It is now three years since the project was approved by this House and we were told the project would benefit from a loan from an Indian bank. But we wonder why after 100 percent disbursement of the loan nothing has been done. “

In his response, Chiyembekeza assured Mwenifumbo that the secretariat at his ministry is ready to commence designs for the project and that a consultant is being engaged.

Said Chiyembekeza: “Let me assure you that this year’s budget has included funds for the project and that works will start soon. Initial design processes will also look into issues to do with the kind of power to be employed, but I cannot provide details as the process is yet to start.”

He, however, expressed ignorance on claims by Mwenifumbo that the irrigation project was also supposed to benefit from the Indian bank loan.

 

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