Chakwera commends the Japanese government for being a true partner

By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

Malawi leader has applauded the Japanese government for being a true and trusted partner in development of Malawi among others for the construction of Lilongwe bridge across Lilongwe river at the hub of the business center in the capital city.

President Lazarus Chakwera was speaking on Wednesday 31st January 2024 after officially launching the K37 billion Lilongwe bridge project which is being funded by the government of Japan.

In his speech, President Chakwera described Japan as a true and trusted partner who does not blow the trumpet in doing its aid or inflict conditions for Malawi to get funding, but continues to partner the country in numerous developments that are changing the face of Malawi.

“So on this last day of January, my special thanks goes to the government and the people of Japan for the good work they have done of supporting us to rehabilitate the section of M1 road that I was inspecting today. In fact this is not the only project that Malawi and Japan are working together on. We have projects in energy that have been made possible by our partnership with Japan. We also have projects in education that have been made possible by our friendship with Japan.

I am not talking about the past, I am talking about what it is doing right now. So I love the Japanese way of doing development because they don’t make noise, they don’t blow their own trumpet, they don’t use their money to manipulate or intimidate us, they don’t quote media attention, and they don’t criticize our country because they know that doing so is like criticizing the furniture in the house where you have been welcomed as a guest. _Anthu a ku Japan amangofuna azigwira ntchito za chitukuko, ndiye mayiko oterewa ndamene tiyenera kumagwira nawo ntchito bwino_” happily said President Chakwera in appreciation to the cordial relationship between the two countries.

In his remarks, Minister of Transport and Public works, Jacob Hara thanked the President for tireless efforts to improve the roads network in the country including construction of Lilongwe bridge which is being improved from 10 meters in width to 34 meters which will give much space for traffic including spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.

Speaking earlier, Board chairperson for Roads Authority, Matilda Matabwa described the Lilongwe bridge project as a flagship opening a new horizon between Japan and Malawi, urging Malawians to desist from vandalizing roads signs and signals.