By Emily Kamisa

Mzuzu, September 1, Mana: Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaola Mdooko has pledged government support towards completion of Jalira Secondary School which is under construction in the area of Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe in Rumphi district.

The deputy minister made these remarks on Friday as she inspected the school.

“I am impressed with the development that is taking place here and I pledge my direct support wherever necessary. I will also report to the Honorable Minister of Education, Madalitso Wirima Kambauwa as well as His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera,” she said.

Korean Missionary, Young Sim Baek who is funding the construction of the school expressed optimism on the future of the construction project as now they have assurance from the government.

“We have faced many challenges due to lack of electricity and water which has delayed the completion of the project. But now we look forward to having quality infrastructure which will translate to quality education,” said Baek.

Member of Parliament for Rumphi West, Wiza Mkandawire said that water will be available at the project site soon, as he together with the district council have already engaged stakeholders who are working towards rectifying the problem.

“We had members of the Northern Region Water Board who took samples from various boreholes in the community and we are working on having a high yield borehole that should be able to provide at least 50 000 litres of water per day,” said Mkandawire.

Mkandawire also disclosed that government has given them a grant through the African Development Bank through the NRWB which is expected to roll out in 2026 for a long term provision of safe and enough water.

Jalira Girls Secondary School whose construction started in June 2022, is part of the bigger vision of the funder Missionary Young Sim Baek who plans to construct other infrastructure in the area including a hospital and a university.