Rumphi name Jappie Mhango outstanding MP since independence

People of Rumphi North Constituency have named Jappie Mhango, MP for the area and Minister of Defence, as the “best MP ever” since the dawn of democracy in Malawi.

Mhango has during the few years he has been MP for the area devoted his time to development projects and inculcating harmony among the people.

Recently, constituents told Nyasa Times, Mhango donated three ambulances to the hard-to-reach constituency.

“He has also managed to construct teachers’ houses at Mhuju Primary School, a block at the market where we’re selling our produce and solar panels to a number of health facilities,” said Oswald Nyirenda, a constituent.

He has not just been buying coffins like the others do, Nyirenda added.

More constituents who talked to Nyasa Times that Mhango had their welfare at heart even before he became MP.

“He has always been development conscious,” said Mary Chipeta, a mother of 3. “He’s already fulfilled everything he promised us in a space of a year.”

Reacting to the sentiments, Mhango said he “is not a man who believes in empty promises.”

He said: “Rumphi North is my home. If I don’t take part in developing my home, who will?”

The developments are making the area darling of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), a party to which Mhango belongs.

The area was once stronghold of the now quiescent party Alliance for Democracy (AFORD).

Rumphi is home to fallen political tsar Chakufwa Chihana, father to current AFORD leader Enock Chihana, and “father of multiparty democracy” in Malawi.