By Happy Milanzie

Lilongwe, April 19, Mana: The Area 18 community group in Lilongwe has received K1 million to renovate the Area !8 Puma Filling Station to Chejika School road stretch which has long been impassable due to its poor condition. 

The funds were raised by Grace Chupa, an aspiring Member of Parliament (MP) for Nankhaka Constituency.

The contribution has significantly empowered the group to address the challenges faced by residents navigating the deteriorated road. 

Chairperson of Area 18 group, Leornard Phiri, expressed gratitude for the financial support stating that it would resolve the difficulties residents have endured due to the status of the road. 

"We are thrilled to receive these funds. Previously, we relied on contributions from volunteers; however, the amount collected was insufficient. With this K1 million, we can finally renovate the road, which requires an estimated K1.5 million to fix," Phiri said. 

He emphasized that the funds would be used in a transparent and accountable manner to meet the community's needs ensuring all stakeholders, including the donor, are kept informed. 

Veronica Chupa, a representative of Grace Chupa, explained that the aspiring MP was motivated to donate after recognizing Area 18 group's dedication to community development. 

"The group has been collecting small contributions from concerned individuals to support the area. Grace, as a resident of Area 18 and an independent aspiring MP, was deeply moved to assist the community," she said. 

Chupa trusts that the group will use the funds prudently due to its commendable efforts to serve residents of the area, regardless of their political affiliations.