Lilongwe City Council CEO Clement Stambuli and Japan Ambassador Naito Yasushi
* Proposes support towards decongestion of the Western and Eastern Bypass, Digital Citizen Engagement
* Including Cyber Security & Digital Resilience, and Software Development for Electronic Payment Collection at Nsungwi Market
Maravi Express
Lilongwe City Council reports that its Chief Executive Officer, Clement Stambuli led a delegation to the Japanese Embassy where they presented a Concept Paper to His Excellency the Ambassador, Naito Yasushi that seeks support for new areas of partnership for sustainable urban development in the city.
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On its official Facebook account, the Capital City Council reports that the proposed support is towards decongestion of the Western and Eastern Bypass, Digital Citizen Engagement, Cyber Security & Digital Resilience, and Software Development for Electronic Payment Collection at Nsungwi Market.
“The Embassy and Lilongwe City Council exchanged views on Japan’s support for infrastructure development in Lilongwe, citing the city’s rapid urbanisation and growing development needs,” says the Council Media.
“Ambassador Yasushi said the ongoing Market Development Survey shows how interested Japan is in developing Lilongwe City.
“Japan has previously supported Biwi Clinic, provided an ambulance, supported capacity development in waste management, the development of the Urban Master Plan and the Lilongwe Bridge Expansion.
“Lilongwe City Council remains committed to building strong partnerships that deliver real and sustainable development for the people of Lilongwe.”
Over the weekend, the Council reported that Minister of Local Government, Ben Phiri, expressed satisfaction with the progress of works of its new market after inspecting the project.
The Minister is reported to have commended the contractors for the work done so far and encouraged all stakeholders involved, including consultants and all supervisors, to conduct regular inspections to ensure quality work is delivered.
The market is located in Area 1, behind Bwaila Hospital, near Devil Street Market being implemented by FNC Engineering and is expected to be completed within 24 months.
The Council reports that the two-storey market — funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through the TRADE (Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship) Programme — will feature 75 shops, space for 150 general traders, banking halls, cold rooms, and a first aid clinic.
The project, valued at K14.460 billion, is expected to transform trading in the city once completed.
The Council also launched Reformed Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) projects worth MK3.6 billion each in Masintha and Bwaila Constituencies.
They are aimed at improving health, education and road infrastructure for the public and when launching the projects, Lilongwe City Deputy Mayor, Councillor Trizah Silo, expressed delight at the commencement of the projects, saying the development “is for the people and was chosen by the people themselves”.
“Her Worship asked the people of Masintha to work together to ensure the projects succeed and benefit the community,” reports the Council Media.
Director of Human Resource Management for Lilongwe City Council, Alick Chirombo, is quoted saying several projects will be implemented under the RCDF in Masintha Constituency, including a 2.4km road, a classroom block, a school fence, a bridge and an under-five clinic shade.
He said the road and the bridge will ease mobility in the constituency, while the health facility and school will bring essential services closer to the people.
He added that the Council has put in place mechanisms to ensure quality and compliance in the construction of all the projects.
The projects will be implemented by MDF Engineering Construction Company, Helms Engineering and 5 Star Joint Venture, D&G Links and Bespat Joint Venture, and Union Building Contractors.
Expected to be completed within five months, the launch was hailed as a major milestone for Masintha, with residents expressing hope that the projects will transform lives in the constituency.
The launch in Bwaila Constituency was presided over by Member of Parliament for the area, Precious Kabambe, who is quoted saying the projects include two teachers’ houses, two modern toilets, construction of a bridge, maintenance of eight classes at Livimbo and solar electrification.
“Kabambe urged Bwaila residents to collaborate and work together for development to take place smoothly, saying if people coexist, development can be done faster and within the shortest period of time because as people belonging to one community, they are working together regardless of their differences.
“He also expressed gratitude to Lilongwe City Council for initiating the project implementation,” says the report.
Director of Administration, Musa Mwale, is quoted saying the Council will strengthen monitoring of all projects to ensure any challenges or deviations are addressed on time.
Responding to concerns raised by the MP over delays in project implementation, Mwale indicated that such delays “sometimes occur due to lack of funding, weather conditions, and at times the type of contractors engaged”.
“He, however, assured the community that government has assured the Council that funds will be flowing consistently, and therefore funding will no longer be an excuse for delays.”
The projects will be completed within four months and will be implemented by Tetra Building Contractors, Khaikani, ZMB and Mphachi JV, and D and G Links BNG.—Edited by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
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