Malawi gets explosives storage facility from US
The United States of America says it is committed to contribute towards Malawi’s security system to ensure that the country is secure all the time.
US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Amy Diaz made the assurance at Changalume Barracks in Zomba on Wednesday when her government handed over an explosives storehouse to the Malawi Defense Force (MDF).
She said: “The handover is not just a transfer of infrastructure but it represents our partnership and our commitment to a capable MDF, a safer Malawi, and indeed a safer world, as well as, my government’s efforts towards enhancing safety and security in Malawi.”
Diaz further said that the United States is proud to partner with the MDF to construct safe storage facilities, safely dispose of obsolete explosive ordnance and ammunition, and train its partners in weapons and ammunition lifecycle management
“The storehouse is the 12th construction project in Malawi supported by the United States and at the same time, the largest single structure which has been built globally in its weapons and ammunition management programs,” she said.
To date, USA has supported the successful training of over 150 MDF personnel in ammunition management, including ordnance corps members stationed at the Cobbe Barracks, who in return will help ensure that the storehouse is maintained and serves as a defense against weapons trafficking and accidental detonations.
MDF Commander General Paul Valentino Phiri hailed the US Government support to the MDF over the past 20 years.
He said: “Having such a storage facility will minimize risks of fatal damages that can occur due to poor storage of the artillery of the MDF.
“It’s our commitment therefore that we will put the house into order and full use to benefit us as an institution and the country.”
Valentino Phiri further said the facility will assist the MDF to work better in beefing up the security of the country.
