By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, April 12, Mana: Mchinji District Commissioner, Lucia Chidalengwa, has commended the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) programme for supporting the council in developing infrastructure across various sectors.

Chidalengwa made the remarks during the official handover ceremony of GESD-funded projects at Mbingwa Livestock Market in Traditional Authority Mduwa in the district.

She noted that the projects were identified by local leaders elected by the people, and the council utilized available funds to implement them.

“Through GESD, we have successfully implemented several projects that are now providing vital infrastructure to our communities. These include market sheds, bridges, a gravity-fed water system, girls' hostels, and this livestock market, which will greatly benefit the local population,” Chidalengwa said.

The handover of the MK66 million Mbingwa Livestock Market symbolized the formal transfer of completed GESD projects to communities in the district.

Mchinji’s Chief Agriculture Officer, Abraham Mhlanga, highlighted the significance of the new market, saying it provides farmers with a formal space to sell their livestock at fair prices.

“This is the first livestock market of its kind in the district. It will protect farmers from exploitation by vendors who offer unreasonably low prices, giving them the power to negotiate better deals,” said Mhlanga.

Charity Tcherani, a local poultry farmer, expressed gratitude for the development, noting that it has eased the challenges of finding customers.

“Previously, we had to travel long distances to look for buyers. Now, they will come to us. This market will help us get better prices for our chickens, rather than settling for the low offers from vendors,” Tcherani said.

Mchinji District Council Chairperson, Dorothy Musa, thanked the World Bank for its support under GESD and encouraged traditional leaders to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.

“Chiefs should take full ownership of these projects and mobilize their communities to maintain the structures,” said Musa.

Mchinji District received MK1.1 billion through the World Bank-funded GESD programme to implement various infrastructure projects.