Northern Region not dead, says Malawi President Mutharika: Commissions Chitipa water supply

President Arthur Peter Mutharika has faulted Malawians who branded northern region as ‘Dead North’ describing them as leaders without vision for the region.

President Mutharika being welcomed by Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe at the commissioning of Chitipa water supply system at Kalenge water treatment works in Chitipa.photo by Mana
President Mutharika commissioning of Chitipa water supply system -. Photo by Stanley Makuti, Mana
Kalenge water treatment
President Mutharika signs visitors book as First Lady looks on.- photo by Mana

Speaking Tuesday in Chitipa during the commissioning of Chitipa Water Supply System, Mutharika said even northern region deserves meaningful development.

He said his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government is evenly spreading development across the country including the north and Chitipa District in particular.

Mutharika said he was pleased that Chitipa, which used to face water challenges for decades, now has access to potable water.

“I’m aware that people could go days without access to potable water due to failure by Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) to provide enough water.

“Gone are the days when piped water was for the people in cities and towns alone,” he said.

He thanked NRWB and other stakeholders for ensuring that the new water project becomes a success.

Mutharika then asked Chitipa residents to refrain from tampering with the Kalenge River catchment area and its banks which is the source of the water scheme.

He challenged that DPP government will implement a number of projects in the north so that it is transformed beyond recognition.

Mutharika cited, among other projects, the construction of new Mzuzu Airport at Lusangazi, whose funds he said are already available, as an initiative to develop the North.

For Chitipa in particular, the President said DPP-led government constructed Karonga-Chitipa Road, maintained Kapoka-Misuku Road and now has plans to construct Chitipa-Ilomba Border Road.

Additionally, he said his government intends to construct Chitipa-Nthalire-Rumphi Road that passes through Nyika National Park.

“The road passing through Nyika National Park is crucial as it has the potential to boost tourism industry,” he said,

On health, Mutharika said government will upgrade Nthalire Health Centre, situated 115 km from the Boma, to a rural hospital.

He also announced that his government will construct a sports stadium and new bus depot at the Boma and connect electricity to 14 trading centres in the district.

“A certain political party for 30 years said northern region is ‘Dead North’. I say North is alive,” Mutharika said.

He then appealed to Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) who co-financed the project with Malawi Government to also consider financing other proposed projects which are potential to uplifting the welfare of Malawians.

Representative of BADEA Hany Kamal Fahmy said the bank takes special interest to implement development projects in Africa because they contribute towards social economic development.

NRWB Board chairperson Rev. Howard Matiya Nkhoma admitted that the old water supply system did not serve residents of Chitipa well because it could not provide the required volume of water to the residents.

The old system used electric boreholes to tap underground water which was a challenge in the dry season.

Chief Mwaulambia said the new water system will alleviate the plight of Chitipa residents who risked their lives depending on water from untreated sources.

Badea pumped in US$10 million with Malawi Government injecting US$3million (approximately K7.5 billion) into the new water system.

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hgich
hgich
6 years ago

Atumbuka akukutolani awa, akunamizeni za chitukuko lero. The guy thinks Thyolo is southern region the lest of south is north gooooosh. He doesnt understand regionalism and nepotism. Keep on dreaming Mr but for Kamuzu mmmmmmmm mwachepa He was far much better than you, don’t keep on insulting him you living in his house, roads,universities, capital hill were all built by him. What have you built in three years you have been in office apart from shody roads that are being repair while construction is on.

MWENDANTO
MWENDANTO
6 years ago

KAMUZU ERA DEVELOPMENT IN 31 YEARS 1.CHIKANGAWA,MZIMBA BOMA, DWAMBAZI NB, KACHECHECHIWETA ROADS 2. MZIMBA KARONGA RUMHI DISTRICT HOSPITALS, HEALTH CENTRES 3. MZUZU KARONGA TTCS 4. MOYALE CHILUMBA BARRACKS 5. BOLERO RURAL GROWTH CENTER 6. CHIKANGAWA AND RAIPLY 7. DRIMP.VARBAU 1 & 2 PROJECTS 8. REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR OFFICES 9. SECONADRY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS 10 WOLVWE HYRDO ELECTRICITY POWER PLANT DPP ERA DEVELOP IN 7 YEARS 1. RESERVE BANK OF MALAWI 2.CHITIPA KAONGA, EKWENDENI EZONDWENI, JENDA EDINGENI ROADS, KAPOKA MISUKU 3. REHABILITATION OF CHIWETA KARONGA ROAD 4.JENDA NTHALIRE RURAL GORWTH CENTRES. 5. KALENGE/MZIMBA WATER WORKS 6. TECHICAL COLLEGES IN KARONGA AND CHITIPA.… Read more »

Hlabezulu Ngonoonda
Hlabezulu Ngonoonda
6 years ago

Wise words indeed from the President. Take care of the catchment areas that provide water in Kalenge River. Forestry officers take note of this advice as well.

MAMBALAZ
MAMBALAZ
6 years ago

ITS TRUE NORTHERN REGION
IS NOT DEAD

ITS TRUE MALAWI IS NOT
DEAD

BUT THOSE LEADING US ARE
DEAD

MOVING CARCUSES !!!

GVH
GVH
6 years ago

31yrs of Kamuzu minus 24yrs of democracy we remain with 7yrs. will the north surpass Kamuzu’s development in 7yrs? Lets wait and see. God will be the Judge. Cashgaters will be ashamed when we reach 31yrs of democracy in Malawi. Mind u dont politicise the north by making false claims.

General Kanene
General Kanene
6 years ago

How I wish Chakwera had some sane advisors. You think DPP can be intimidated by Mia? Why did the lady cashgater, Joyce failin the full view of Mia?

Sowazi
Sowazi
6 years ago

Mahera mutesi chomene. Apart from what DPP has done in the North, what other legacy can you cite as having been done by Kamuzu in 32 years?

Mahera
Mahera
6 years ago

I am a northerner and from chitipa. And if any person can site 32 years of Kamuzu as a failure, then that person must be insane. We have been in democracy for 24 years now, but not even quarter of what Kamuzu did in his 32 years is reached. Adding all kilometres of the constructed roads in democratic error, gives you less that 400km as compared to thousands of killometres constructed by Kamuzu. Yes Kamuzu did not extend the road to Chitipa, but I believe by now he could have left no earth road in all regions. Infact, these governments… Read more »

Kwacha Malawi
Kwacha Malawi
6 years ago
Reply to  Mahera

Phunzirani kuyamikira anzanu akachita bwino. Kamuzu has done his part so let others also do their part. I am a northerner and from chitipa. And if any person can site 32 years of Kamuzu as a failure, then that person must be insane. We have been in democracy for 24 years now, but not even quarter of what Kamuzu did in his 32 years is reached. Adding all kilometres of the constructed roads in democratic error, gives you less that 400km as compared to thousands of killometres constructed by Kamuzu. Kuyankhula kwa chipongwe uku. Mr Mahera mmene zinalili 1970 sizingakhalenso… Read more »

Mike
Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Mahera

Nice explanation there and you are really a true Malawian with insight not the others. These new leaders should come to their senses and appreciate what Kamuzu did during his term in office.

winston msowoya
winston msowoya
6 years ago

For 32 years of MCP’s rule,the North was completely off the beaten track.Banda used to boast himself for constructing the Mzuzu-Karonga Rd of which it was unsavoury in the sense that the Region badly lacked economic establishments such as industries,companies,government offices,training schools etc.However,according to Banda’s Western Masters,the road was buttress against infiltration of exiled insurgents led by his former begrudging Ministers.However,this is understandable because since the construction of the road some 35 years ago,there has been no economic activities in Karonga apart from the useless Kayelekera Mine. Whatever the case,the North still bears the name of DEAD NORTH not by… Read more »

Nganiza Muthulika
6 years ago

Malawians every country has a history. Colonial is a history, Independence and Kamuzu Banda is history. Where was Muntharikas when Kamuzu was ruling? They left the country. Where was APM when people fought for democracy? Dont look only one side. Some are enjoying what others fought for and died for. APM bought Kamuzu houses cheap If he bought Them. First universitety Zomba and Bunda were bult by Kamuzu. Every president will built something it does not mean he is better than the others. APM is doing this because of elections which will come soon. Is it not his DDP member… Read more »

Jamax
Jamax
6 years ago

Yes slow but very sure bravo Mr. APM show them that you are capable…..2019 is for you again!!!!!

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