Chakwera cheers flood survivors, inspects various projects in Karonga

By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

President Lazarus Chakwera on Monday, 11th March 2024 carried a number of official engagements in Karonga district among which he cheered the survivors of February 24 flooding by North Rukuru river at Kambwe camp, before inspecting Karonga Town Water Supply Project, Nthola-Illola Rice Processing Factory, and Wovwe Rice Irrigation Scheme.

Speaking when he cheered the survivors of floods at Kambwe camp, Chakwera assured them that his administration will make sure that everyone at the camp is being taken care of regardless of one’s status.

“The First Lady and I have come here because of what has befallen us. There are elderly here, children, women and people of various statuses. We will make sure that everyone of you is taken care of regardless of the status” said the President.

He then said there is a need to block the river from future flooding for safety of the people

Said the President; “I will discuss with MDF in collaboration with other relevant Ministries so that before next season, we have to construct another dyke along North Rukuru to reduce future flooding”

The President thanked all those who have quickly and positively responded towards the catastrophe including Paramount Chief Kyungu.

However, President Chakwera condemned in strongest term, the act of corruption that was reported by Paramount Chief Kyungu and Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Owen Chomanika to have been taking place at the camp.

But Chomanika thanked President Chakwera for showing that he counts on every Malawian by paying a visit to the survivors.

Later in the day, President Chakwera inspected Karonga Town Water Supply Project which is to serve over 185,000 residents of Karonga and surrounding areas with a water holding capacity of about 30,000 cubic meters per day, being constructed with $26.7 billion of United States, funded by BADEA, OPEC Fund, and Malawi Government.

Winding up the Karonga visit, President Chakwera inspected Nthola-Illola Rice Processing Factory and Wovwe Irrigation Rice Scheme.

Wovwe Irrigation Scheme is estimated to generate about K3.7 billion from the 700 hectares of rice under cultivation with an average tonnage of 3,200 Metric Tonnes involving close to 1,777 families operating as a cooperative.

President Chakwera has always been encouraging Malawians to work in groups so as to quickly create a self-reliant, and inclusively wealth nation.