Mayor Chalamanda calls for united effort to fix Blantyre city
The newly elected mayor for the Malawi’s commercial city of Blantyre, Noel Chalamanda is calling for concerted effort in his new drive “to recreate, regenerate and resuscitate” Blantyre.
Chalamanda says in a statement that the challenges which the city has been facing have been there for decades and that can be solved overnight.
He outlines them as public safety, infrastructural deficit, sanitation, health and environmental lapses, education and youth development.
“The challenges we face have been decades in the making, and the problems we set out to address will not be solved overnight. But make no mistake: the people of this city have chosen a progressive path, and today we set forth on it, together, as one city,” he says.
He says as the country begins the sixth decade of independence it can only do better.
“Blantyre is the brightest embodiment of the idea of warm heartedness of Malawi. Blantyre is the heartbeat of this warm heart of Africa. Yes we are in this together with parents, school children teachers, businessmen and companies and all city residents. We have our part to play and we will be engaging you to do your part” he says.
The new mayor says although the road ahead will be difficult, “but it will be traveled “
He gave special tribute to people who supported him to get his new title.
“Allow me to acknowledge my wife, Pempho Nkaonja she is brilliant and every bit as compassionate as she is tough. She has been there at every turn on this long journey. My wonderful mother and lovely sister, for believing, I say thank you. My campaign team – you are better than the best! My closest friends, for sacrificing me to public service, I owe you! My number one fan! My daughter Reagan Ritz. Thank you. And most pertinently today, My fellow Councillors and our Honourable members of Parliament for the trust deposed in me.”
Chalamanda has vowed to be people’s servant and leader “on this road winding back to prosperity”.
