DPP councillor joins race for Blantyre City mayorship

The mayoral seat for Blantyre City Council continues to draw more suitors each passing day, with councillor for Soche West Ward George Chipwete being the fourth to express his interest to contest for the position.

Other councillors who have confirmed their participation in the yet-to-be-set election are Noel Chalamanda of Blantyre City Central Ward, Louis Ngalande of Misesa Ward and Getrude Chirambo of Namalimwe Ward.

Chipwete said in an interview on Wednesday that, if given the mandate, his first mission would be to fast-track infrastructural development of the city.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councillor said it is unfortunate that Blantyre is failing to register significant infrastructural transformation despite enjoying the status of Malawi’s commercial mecca.

“My first task, therefore, would be to lobby government to give a minimum of 40 kilometres of new tarred roads in townships as well as the city centre. This will open the city to more economic activities, thereby improving its status,” he explained.

Chipwete, who served as independent Member of Parliament for Mangochi Monkey Constituency from 2004 to 2009, further disclosed that he will boost the construction of more water-points in a drive to increase accessibility of potable water in Blantyre.