By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, January 8, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has assured the people in Kasungu that government is doing its best to improve their living standards through provision of quality services and infrastructure.

Speaking at a rally on Sunday at Ndonda in Kasungu North East Constituency, Chimwendo Banda said the rehabilitation of M1 road from Lilongwe passing through the entire Kasungu stretch to Karonga is a loud statement by the government that it is committed to developing the country.

He said: “The M1 road passing through Kasungu is being rehabilitated. We have also seen the rehabilitation of Kasungu District Hospital and construction of bridges, roads and clinics here in the East Constituency. This signals government commitment to serving the people.

“On the other hand, we know Kasungu is a farming district. So we want to assure the farmers and everyone that there will be good prices for their produce. We saw good tobacco prices last year and this year it will be even better.”

The minister told the people to rally behind President Lazarus Chakwera, who he said prioritises farming as a way of unlocking the country’s economic fortunes.

Speaking earlier, Minister of Mines Monica Chang’anamuno asked the people to reject and report illegal mining activities taking place in the district, saying miners have to seek for licensing.

Member of Parliament for the area, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, urged the communities to refrain from politics of violence, telling them that conflicts derail development efforts.

“Our team must be talking development. We have no time for violence and politics of hate. All we want to see is that our youths are given something productive; we are busy building roads, bridges, clinics and schools to transform our communities,” she said.

While thanking government for elevating chiefs and providing subsidised farm inputs, Senior Chief Kapelula requested the authorities to open Admarc depots so that people can buy maize at affordable prices.

Other notable people who attended the rally include Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda, Deus Gumba of Ministry of Lands, Jean Sendeza of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and Malawi Congress Party regional chairperson for the centre, Zebron Chilondola.