By Patience Harawa
Karonga, April 10, Mana: The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) says government has injected K14 billion towards completion of the Nthola-Illola Irrigation Scheme and a modern rice-milling factory in Karonga.
GBA Manager responsible for Infrastructure Development, Snowden Kautsi, said this in Karonga on Wednesday during the handover ceremony of the contracts to China Civil Engineering Limited and Sico Civils.
Kautsi said the two projects faced delays due to funding challenges and the importation of construction materials exacerbated by forex shortages.
He expressed optimism that the allocated funds would ensure timely completion of the remaining works.
“Government has now allocated K14 billion in the current budget towards completion of the works.
“The rice milling factory will involve construction of two warehouses, perimeter fence and an administration block, while at the irrigation scheme, which is at 90 percent, it will involve construction of canals and installation of pipes among others,” said Kautsi.
The construction of the irrigation scheme is projected to take 36 months while the agro processing facility is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Chief Irrigation Engineer for Karonga Agricultural Development Division (ADD), John Bvutula, hailed the projects as being perfectly aligned with the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) blueprint.
“These two projects resonate well with the MW2063 especially on the pillar on agricultural productivity and commercialization. This project aligns with government’s efforts to promote irrigation development and enhance household food security.
“The project will increase the area under irrigation, boosting rice production and income for local farmers. Many farmers will benefit from this development leading to improved livelihoods and economic growth in the area,” he said.
Secretary for Nthola-Illola Cooperative, Alick Nthakomwa, expressed relief and optimism following the announcement of the irrigation schemes completion timeline emphasizing the direct benefits it will bring to the livelihood of local farmers.
“This is good news for members of the cooperative and the wider community. We have been patiently waiting for the completion of these projects which will bring economic transformation for our families and the country as a whole,” Nthakomwa said.
