Blantyre mayor Jomo meets Asian community, pledges action on security, by-laws

Blantyre City Mayor Jomo Osman has met members of the city’s Asian community to discuss security and development concerns, pledging council action on street lighting, CCTV installation and enforcement of by-laws against unauthorised shabeens.

Speaking after the engagement, Osman said unity had to underpin efforts to improve the city, calling for “one community, one city” and urging residents to move away from focusing on nationality or origin.

Security featured prominently in the talks. Osman said the council had discussed improving lighting on streets and around shops and business premises, which he said would make the city “brighter and safer for all.”

Also raised was the installation of CCTV cameras in key areas of the city, a measure Osman said would support crime prevention and give police stronger tools for investigations.

On infrastructure, Osman said road maintenance remained part of the council’s existing plans and would be prioritised.

He said the council was also working to enforce by-laws against shabeens operating outside designated areas, describing it as part of efforts to “restore order.”

Concerns raised about motorbikes and improper parking would be looked into as part of city management, he added.

The mayor said the meeting also touched on the issue of street children, with the council working alongside the Malawi Police Service and other stakeholders to find what he called “sustainable and humane solutions.”

Members of the Asian community raised the need for biometric registration of SIM cards as a security measure, a suggestion Osman said he had noted and agreed was important for collective security.

Osman thanked the Asian community leadership for the engagement and said the council remained committed to working with the community and all Blantyre residents “to build a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous city for everyone.”