MPs query rural growth centres
Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed concern on the underutilisation of rural growth centres which were introduced to reduce poverty and spur urbanisation.
The MPs were yesterday reacting to a report of the Parliamentary Committee on Local Authorities and Rural Development on the status of the centres in the country which was presented in the august House on February 9 2022.
Among others, the report indicates that the committee noted that there were some project components that were incomplete and abandoned.
It, however, recommends that the Ministry of Local Government should conduct an evaluation and revisit the concept of rural growth centres as a guide to government on future planning and implementation.
Chikwawa West legislator Susan Dossi (UTM Party) said although officially opened, Chapananga Rural Growth Centre has no electricity and running water which have made it hard for people to start using it.
She said: “If everything were in order, many people would be employed and that would help to reduce poverty in many households.
“I believe much will be done to ensure that the centres, start functioning soon.”
Mwanza Central MP Nicholas Dausi (DPP) said despite being a border district, Mwanza does not have a rural growth centre, which he described as unfortunate.
Taking his turn, Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda agreed that much needs to be done for the facilities to serve their purpose. He cited the Monkey Bay project, which was also abandoned.
