Chief Adviser to the President on Manifesto Implementation Henry Mukhuna says the Malawi Government is committed to completing construction works at Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme in Karonga District to enhance rice production.
He said this on Thursday during a meeting with key stakeholders in the district.
Mukhuna said the project was crucial in Malawi’s agriculture sector; hence, the speed in his visit for the government to structure its further support as soon as possible.
He said: “I would like to register the government’s commitment to support this project and give you assurance that government will hold Greenbelt Authority’s hand in completing this project.
“This is the first project we are visiting since instituting our unit and that should assure you that the government is prioritising it.”
Mukhuna noted that, by its design, the project will support the current administration’s vested interest in attaining food security and creating wealth through massive rice exports.
“We will take a clear message to the President regarding the steady progress made so far, and the people’s eagerness to have the project completed,” he said.
On his part, Paramount Chief Kyungu commended the Greenbelt Authority for progress made in the project.
He said it was imperative that government steadily funds the authority to maintain the speed and quality of work.
On her part, group village head Mwangolera asked Mukhuna to plead with President Peter Mutharika to maintain government’s support towards the project, saying it was the future of rice production in the district.
“This project is going to be a game-changer for the rice-growing community in Karonga and Malawi as a whole. So, do not abandon it,” she said.
The authority is constructing the scheme and a rice-processing factory
