By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, August 20, Mana: Dowa district council has elected Councillor Gift Nkhono Songeya of Kayembe ward as its new chairperson in elections held on Tuesday during a full council meeting.

Songeya got eight votes, beating closest contender Eliza Chulu who got five votes while Richard Kasanje got four votes and Billy Mtika came last with two votes.

In an interview after being sworn in, Songeya who went into the votes with a call for youth empowerment, said he was excited to be elected council chairperson.

"Being a chairperson comes with a lot of responsibilities emanating from the trust of my fellow elected members.

"Going forward, there are several areas I would like to focus on, for example, water. Dowa has water challenges due to its geographical composition, so I would like to see efforts in provision of potable water to the rural masses intensified.

"Also as an agro based district, we would like to see how best we can help our farmers, not only to ensure food security, but also that farmers benefit a lot from their produces and improve their livelihoods," said Songeya.

He then called for unity amongst all the elected council members and secretariat saying that whatever they may be doing, the guiding spirit must be the development of the people especially in rural areas.

Songeya has replaced Councillor Mayamiko Kambewa of Mponela ward who served from August 2023 to August 2024.

Kambewa in his remarks wished the new chairperson success during his new tenure and also thanked the council for what he described as an opportunity to serve the people of Dowa.

"I have served for the maximum of two years which was filled with tremendous success including scooping number one in the Local Assembly Performance Assessment which is no mean achievement.

"But I wish my successor all the best as he assumes office. My advice for him is to work closely with the District Commissioner who is always eager and available to work on issues about the development of the district. Also for him to be dedicated, hardworking, selfless, and prioritize the needs of the district above anything else, " he said.

Holesi Madeya of Chiwere Eastward got six votes and has been elected council vice chairperson after defeating other contestants like Alfred Vinthenga who got five votes, Richard Kasanje with four votes and George Wailesi who received two votes.

Dowa First Grade Magistrate Yohane Nkhata administered the oath of office to the new chairperson and vice chairperson, in the elections which were presided over by Malawi Electoral Commission officials.