By Tione Andsen

Dowa, June 25, Mana: Government has admonished Media to be proactive in developing close working partnerships and networking platforms with Implementation Agencies for Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) in order to provide accurate information.

Chief Civil Engineer in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Edwin Matanga said this Tuesday during the closing ceremony of a two-day Media Orientation and Tour for SATCP at Vintage Hotel in Mponela, Dowa.

He said various Implementation Agencies have specific roles to play for the success delivery of the project saying the Media need to be proactive in following up each stage of the implementation process of SATCP.

“We have 14 Implementation Agencies within the project and the Media is free to access them for more information through their Public Relations Officers (PROs). We are challenging the Media to involve the PROs to get right information and used it to create more awareness for the benefit of Nacala Corridor stakeholders,” Matanga dared.

He called o Implementation Agencies to work with the Media as partners saying free flow of information would help to reduce issues of speculations and misinformation.

The Chief Civil Engineer hoped that the interaction that has been created would continue throughout in order to attain the desired goals of the project.

“I am hoping this is not the last time we are interacting and we should create more occasions like these ones where questions and answers should be provided amicably,” Matanga said. 

He thanked the Media for their active participation during the sessions saying this has demonstrated their commitment to working with the project.

Project Coordinator for SATCP- Infrastructure, Sharmey Banda said the project has an obligation with the Media in order to enhance issues of transparency and accountability.

He said the Media should always provide checks and balances for the smooth implementation of the project. 

The Project being funded by World Bank to the tune of K150 million running from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024. 

The participating Media Houses included Malawi News Agency (MANA), Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Zodiak Broadcasting Services (ZBC), Nation, Times Group, Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ), Mibawa Television, Chanco Radio, Capital Radio and Nyasatimes.