By Solister Mogha

Zomba, December 27, Mana: Zomba District Council on Thursday launched construction of a K430 million Teacher Development Center (TDC) using District Development Funds (DDF) at Mchengawedi Education Zone where Primary Education Advisors (PEAs) turned a classroom into a TDC for some years.

Speaking at the project site, Mchengawedi Council Chairperson, Blazio Chinthenga, said the Council was committed to providing quality infrastructures in the education sector to attain good education standards.

Chinthenga said the TDC was one such infrastructure that will improve provision of quality basic education.

“In our district development plans, we have a lot to achieve. We are therefore committed to completing all planned infrastructural projects.

Our target is to develop Zomba in all aspects,” the council chairperson

He said Mchengawedi TDC will be one of finest structure in the district and the whole Malawi and expressed hope that the facility will create a conducive working environment for teachers and users.

Member of Parliament for Zomba Malosa, Grace Kwelepeta, hailed government for financing construction of the TDC, describing the development as a positive step towards improved education standards in her area.

“The current PEA is operating in a classroom which is not conducive enough for a person of such a position. It our hope that this structure will restore the dignity of the PEA and the area which has rich education history,” she said.

While commending the commissioning of the TDC the parliamentarian appealed for the construction of a secondary school, which she said would provide secondary education for many children in primary schools in Zomba Malosa.

Senior Chief Malemia applauding Zomba District Council for the decision to construct the TDC but advised community members to desist from stealing construction materials.

“This is our own development; we should own it. Let us guard against theft of materials and let us ensure we get a perfect structure,” the chief said.

Ochibwe Building Contractors were awarded the contract to construct Mchengawedi TDC, according to Zomba District Council, Director of Public Works, Henry Mwamvani.

Mwamvani said among others, the TDC will have a conference hall.