By Martin Chiwanda

Machinga, November 27, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has said the current administration is determined to addressing the challenges Malawians are facing.

Usi made the sentiments at Nyangu, the Headquarters of Paramount Chief Kawinga, in Machinga when he engaged chiefs and the community in the district.

He said people should not be cheated that there will be a government that they should wait to resolve their challenges.

"The Paramount Chief has presented several issues like hunger and NEEF loans, among others. He knows that this government can come in and address them. Let me commend the Paramount Chief for his openness. This government is there for the people," said Usi.

He added: "I have heard what you are going through and I would like to assure you that the Office of the President will do the needful through the District Commissioner's office."

The Vice President said the Office of the President is always there for people and if it gets reports of any issue, it is always ready to help.

He urged District Commissioner for Machinga, Rodrick Mateauma, to report under-performing officers at the Council because their failure in undertaking their daily activities creates a bad image for government.

Usi asked chiefs to be honest when selecting vulnerable people to benefit from different social protection programmes, saying dishonesty is an enemy to development.

He, therefore, distributed two bags of fertilizer to seven elderly people each selected at random and mini bags of groundnuts to all women carrying a child present at the meeting.

He advised capable Malawians to cultivate a sharing spirit, saying giving assistance should not always wait for government.

Paramount Chief Kawinga thanked Usi for the visit, describing it as a great milestone for his reign.

He said the visit is a sign of good relationship that exists between the Vice President’s office and his subjects.

"You can witness from the faces around that hunger has indeed crept in here in Machinga. We are asking your office to consider the issue," he said.

He appealed to government to consider increasing the number of beneficiaries of the Affordable Input Programme (AIP) so that they can buy fertilizer at an affordable price and contribute to efforts of attaining food security.

Before visiting Paramount Chief Kawinga's residence, Usi toured Liwonde Market, Nsanama and Ntaja trading centres.