By Shaffie Bakali

Mangochi, July 22, Mana: Mangochi District Council Saturday elected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Councillor for Malindi Ward, Hassan Chikuta as the new chairperson of the council, and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councillor for Mulimba ward, Adams M’Bwana as vice.

Chikuta who was vice chairperson of the council in the just ended term emerged winner after beating his predecessor, Ivy Faith Sande of Maiwa ward.

Vice chairperson, Councilor M’Bwana was elected after beating other four fellow councillors.

Speaking soon after taking oath, the newly elected Chairperson expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the chairmanship and appealed members of the council to continue working as a team in fostering development in the district.

“I am so humbled for being entrusted with this position, and as such, I can assure members that during my period, I will ensure that chiefs, councillors, members of parliament and the secretariat should continue being in good term to achieve the needed progress,” Chikuta said.

The Outgoing Chairperson, Councillor Sande congratulated the newly elected team, and advised the new leadership to maintain unity as well as strive to meet the goals of the council.

“The election was solely to change the leadership not the council, as such, new leaders are urged to work well with the full council for the benefit of Mangochi district,” she said.

District Commissioner (DC) for Mangochi, Dr. Smart Gwedemula commended the outgoing chairperson for the progress the council registered during her tenure of office.

He encouraged the new team to continue working as a unit.