‘North Malawi under intensive development drive’

Social observers have quashed assertions by government critics and pro-federalism proponents who say the recent Malawi-Chinese development pact has sidelined the Northern region in allocation of projects.

However, an honest outline of projects by government indicate that the North stands to benefit from this pact and has some of the major projects that Malawi as a country is undertaking through other initiatives.

Under the education sector, construction of the Mombera University is under-way in Mzimba and upon completion it is set to become probably the country’s largest institution of higher learning both in terms of land and student intake.

Also at an advanced stage is the Njakwa- Livingstonia Road and the Jenda-Edingeni Road; the former is more than a road project because it connects the church mission to the rest of the country through easing of mobility.

Livingstonia is renowned as the epitome of education having been the pioneering spot where the missionaries intensified education over a century ago.

“Such a project speaks volumes of how government intends to weave together our rich history and modern needs in view of the massive impact and influence that the Livingstonia Synod has in the Northern Region,” observed one commentator.

Also on the cards is the upgrading of the Mzuzu-Nkhatabay Road which will instantly open up the lake-shore belt to all the districts in the North.

The current road is tiny such that it hinders meaningful economic activity because it does not appeal to many motorists and would-be investors along this region.

In tourism circles there is already hype around the commencement of the Vwaza- Nyika Road very soon.

This road will facilitate tourism activities for locals and foreigners visiting probably Malawi’s most beautiful tourist destination, the Nyika Plateau and Nyika National Park.

For people of Karonga, they have already started experiencing the fruits of the DPP-led government.

Rumphi-Nyika-Nthalire-Chitipa and Mzimba-Eswazini-Ezondweni- Ekwendeni roads Jenda-Edingeni Road are also on course.