EU envoy urges prudence

Head of European Union (EU) Delegation Marchel Gerrmann has urged Malawi to be prudent in using resources from the economic grouping.

Gerrmann said this on Wednesday at Chancellor College in Zomba when EU celebrated the 40 year partnership with Malawi under the theme Working Together for a Better Future.

Speaking during the celebrations, Gerrmann said the EU made a commitment to Malawi and other countries in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific regions to make a significant contribution to eradicate poverty and sustainable development.

Since then, he said, the EU has managed to support Malawi, contributing to a reduction in under-five death rate by 80 percent over the past 25 years.

“We have also seen that the incidence of HIV and Aids has been reduced by more than 50 percent. Malawi’s life expectancy increased by 18 years. Many roads have been financed by the EU and the Law Faculty at Chanco was constructed with support from EU,” said Gerrmann.

The partnership, based on mutual trust, respect and desire, can only grow if Malawi practices transparency and accountability.

In his remarks, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Emmanuel Fabiano assured Gerrmann that Malawi Government will do what it takes not to disappoint partners such as EU.

The EU has also pledged to give 120 million euro to governance sector. Under the 11th European Development Fund, the EU is providing 160 million euro for secondary education and technical and vocational training. They have also provided 250 million euro to agriculture food security and nutrition.n