BY JORDAN SIMEON-PHIRI
Tradtional leaders in Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga district have commended the newly adopted cost effective Constituency Development Fund (CDF) model Member of Parliament for Karonga Central Constituency Leonard Mwalwanda (Malawi Congress Party) has adapted in the area.
In an interview, group village headmen Mwambelo and Mwanyesha 1 said the 2021/22 CDF has become the first to benefit the whole Constituency with modern and durable structures.
“The model is cost effective and encourages hard working spirit so that villagers take part in the development of their respective areas,” he said.
On his part, Mwanyesha 1 group village headman said the model will evenly distribute social amenities to right holders and enjoy fruits of putting development conscious leaders in positions.
He said: “Each one of my 10 villages contributed 31, 000 bricks and sand as part of community’s 25 percent contribution towards the initiative. And we are satisfied with the progress and quality of the works”.
In a separate interview, Lupembe Area Development Committee (ADC) chairperson Olwin Ndovi said the decision to adapt the new model was to gauge use of locally available builders and welders in various developments to accelerate projects in the Constituency.
“Apart from saving resources, we are also economically empowering local communities who have the skills because we are identifying our own builders, carpenters and welders to come up with these structures which are spacious, strong and of high quality.
“And again, we want to create conducive environment for our teachers in schools by building modern houses that will ease shortage of houses in schools,” he said.
On his part, the Constituency’s Parliamentarian Leonard Mwalwanda hailed traditional leaders for the massive support rendered towards the project.
He said: “I am inspired and fired up with the hard working spirit and support from the local development structures and the local talent from builders and carpenters who are doing amazing job”.
“With this approach, the community and I want to build durable structures of high quality by using local talent at cost effective prices”.
Karonga District Commissioner Paul Kalilombe described the model as an innovation and fresh wave of development worth emulating by other Legislators.
A total of four houses are being constructed at Mwenilondo Community Day Secondary, Lemelo and Mlare primary schools at a cost of less than K4 million each house.
