* As Team Chakwera-Mumba is touted as Malawi’s ideal leadership pair ahead of the September 16 general election
By Yamikani Yapuwa, Solister Mogha & Chifundo Kowedza, MANA
President Lazarus Chakwera on Thursday officially opened the newly-constructed Thyolo District Council Office complex and the 20,000-capacity Zomba Stadium — describing the two establishment as a symbol of his administration’s respect for the people of Thyolo and a milestone in sports development.
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In Thyolo, the President said it was important for government to formally hand over the facility, which represents a milestone in decentralisation and service delivery, saying: “I am here because of the respect I have for the people of Thyolo.
“It would not have been good for my administration to construct such a magnificent office complex but fail to come and open it.”
He dismissed claims by some politicians that his administration has neglected development in Thyolo, Mulanje, Phalombe, and Chiradzulu, saying: “For too long, people in this region have been deceived by politicians who lie that government is not bringing development.
“My administration knows that the people of Thyolo are Malawians as well, and they deserve development like everyone else,” said Chakwera, who stressed that nowhere else in the country has such a modern office complex been constructed, underlining his government’s commitment to uplifting all districts.
Minister of Local Government, Unity & Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, hailed the project, saying Thyolo had long operated from dilapidated offices despite being home to many national leaders, including presidents and ministers.
“President Chakwera is a leader for all Malawians,” he said. “He is developing every part of this country without considering who voted for him. That shows he has no tribalism in him.”
Chimwendo Banda encouraged Malawians to continue supporting Chakwera, noting that he was walking in the footsteps of past leaders such as Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda and Bingu wa Mutharika, who fulfilled their promises to the people.
The construction of the K7.4 billion complex, which boasts more than 70 fully furnished offices, began in 2017 but stalled before being completed under President Chakwera’s administration.
In Zomba, the President said the 20,000-capacity stadium’s modern facility demonstrates his administration’s commitment to advancing development across the country, including Zomba District, saying: “Those that have eyes can see what I have done, and I don’t have to keep mentioning every development.
“What I ask from you is to allow me to continue developing this country up to 2030,” he said, while urging Zomba residents to take good care of the new stadium and other infrastructure projects, stressing that such facilities are vital for community growth.
On his part, Chimwendo Banda said the opening of the stadium has fulfilled the wishes of Zomba residents, who previously had to travel to other districts to watch football.
“The stadium will not only serve as the main sports arena for the Eastern Region, but will also boost revenue generation for Zomba City Council,” he said, while also hailing Chakwera for spearheading other development initiatives in Zomba, including new university offices and road infrastructure.
Senior Chief Chikowi said the stadium will provide opportunities for the people of Zomba and the Eastern Region to enjoy football, which they have been waiting for, and are grateful to the government for fulfilling it.
Financed by the central government at a cost of K4.6 billion, construction of Zomba Stadium began on June 17, 2017, before being completed under Chakwera’s administration.
Meanwhile, in his whistle-stop tours across the Lower Shire, President Chakwera repeatedly described his running mate, Vitumbiko Mumba as energetic, wise, and the perfect complement to his administration.
Speaking during campaign stops in Nsanje and Chikwawa on Tuesday and Wednesday, Chakwera appealed for re-election for a second term in the September 16 polls, emphasising the strength of Team Chakwera-Mumba.
“Mumba is such a wise man, full of energy, and the right match for me,” he said. “He fits perfectly in my administration.”
Chakwera also urged voters to support all Malawi Congress Party (MCP) parliamentary candidates and aspirants for ward council positions across the country.
In response, Mumba praised Chakwera for his visionary leadership, saying: “Malawi still needs a leader like Chakwera.”
During his campaign trail in Neno, Mwanza, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Thyolo, Mulanje, and Chiradzulu, Mumba insisted that Malawi is fortunate to have Chakwera at the helm.
“Chakwera is the right choice for Malawi. What else are we looking for? We cannot get this calibre of leader anywhere else,” Mumba told large crowds during his Southern Region tours.
MCP deputy president for the South, Abida Mia, also hailed Team Chakwera-Mumba ticket as the ideal combination for Malawi, emphasising that the pair would continue driving socio-economic development in the country.—Editing by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
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