Nice debate brings hope to LL city residents

Lilongwe residents have hailed debates the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust  is carrying out to enable people know their candidates ahead of May 20 Tripartite Elections.

Nice on Sunday organised a debate for Lilongwe City aspiring councillors where residents listened to plans the candidates have to develop the city.

Speaking in random interviews after the debate, the residents said they were impressed with solutions proposed by the candidates on some of the challenges residents face in the city.

Timverane Chipojola of Mtandire said the absence of councillors has contributed to poor sanitation in the city.

“In our locations, there are few refuse bins and city workers rarely come to collect garbage. But the way many aspiring councillors have spoken at this debate, we are hopeful that they will commit themselves to solve these problems,” said Chipojola

Many aspirants at the debate said they will put politics aside and concentrate on developing the city.

“If I win as a councillor for State House ward, I will work with any Member of Parliament and government that will win for the sake of development of our city,” said Ishmael Malindi who is contesting on a United Democratic Front (UDF) ticket.

Lilongwe City Council chief executive officer Richard Hara, briefed the aspirants on how his office operates.

He assured the residents that most problems being faced in the city will be history with the coming of councillors.

Lilongwe City has 27 wards and 165 aspirants are competing in the city.