A Community Untouched by Development Struggles for Basic Necessities
The tale of Mulobo serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done and the importance of inclusive development in realizing Malawi's national aspirations.
KARONGA, Malawi— Nestled within the remote expanse of Karonga District lies Mulobo, a community seemingly frozen in time, untouched by the march of development that has transformed much of Malawi, writes Lusekero Mhango.
Located 25 kilometers from Karonga Boma in the domain of Paramount Chief Kyungu, Mulobo exists in a realm where roads are mere whispers of aspiration and ox-carts reign supreme over the rugged terrain.
The isolation of Mulobo is palpable, with the absence of infrastructure severing it from the opportunities and advancements that grace neighboring communities.
Here, the passage of time is marked not by the hum of progress, but by the gentle sway of tall grasses and the timeless rhythm of rural life.
Healthcare: A Perilous Journey
For the women of Mulobo, accessing healthcare is a daunting challenge.
With no roads to facilitate travel, reaching antenatal care becomes a perilous journey, leaving expectant mothers vulnerable and underserved.
The closest health centers, Kasoba and Mpata, lie 8 kilometers away—a distance that feels insurmountable without proper transportation.
"As women, the journey of pregnancy is often fraught with challenges. Without access to healthcare professionals and lacking the financial means to travel long distances for such essential care, our struggles are magnified. These obstacles weigh heavily on us, casting shadows of uncertainty over what should be a time of joy and anticipation," says Linda Mwandwanga, a resident of Mulobo.
The absence of a local health clinic, destroyed by a 2009 earthquake that ravaged Karonga, has forced pregnant mothers to choose between the comfort of familiar surroundings and the daunting journey to distant medical facilities.
In this void, traditional birth attendants have become beacons of hope, their practices a lifeline in a community cut off from modern healthcare.
Education: A Dream Deferred
The shortage of qualified teachers presents another significant challenge for Mulobo.
Donnex Singogo, a former resident who now works as a motorcycle operator in Karonga Boma, highlights the consequences of this educational gap.
"Many youths are dropping out of school, leading to early marriages. I regret not being able to pursue further education myself, but I had to seek better opportunities to support my family," Singogo explains.
Group Village Headman Mwakasungula II echoes these concerns, lamenting the reluctance of teachers to work in an area with such inadequate infrastructure.
"Our community is increasingly isolated from the progress and development taking place in Karonga, despite casting votes for leaders. As a result, our people do not feel fully integrated into Malawian society, as they lack access to basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare, and education," he emphasizes.
Political Promises and Social Commentary
Recent political developments have brought a glimmer of hope to Mulobo. Alick Ng'oma, the newly elected Ward Councilor for Chilanga Ward, and Felix Katwafu Kayira, Member of Parliament for Karonga Northwest Constituency, have both expressed empathy for the community's plight and promised action.
Kayira pledges to leverage the increased Constituency Development Fund to improve infrastructure, particularly roads, recognizing that "votes and voters are in the rural areas."
Meanwhile, Karonga District Council Chairperson Misheke Mwaijengo has assured the community that resources have been allocated in the 2024/2025 District budget to address these pressing needs.
However, social commentator Lewis Nkhatha points out a recurring issue in Malawian politics:
"Politicians are only seen most of the time when they need votes from the people, but when the people need something from the politicians in the form of development, it becomes difficult to engage them," Nkhatha observes.
He suggests enhancing representative democracy through platforms that enable direct engagement between citizens and elected officials, fostering empowerment and participatory development planning.
Mulobo and Malawi's Sustainable Development Goals
As Malawi strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the story of Mulobo encapsulates both the challenges and aspirations of the nation.
Addressing the infrastructure gaps and providing access to essential services in remote communities like Mulobo is integral to Malawi's pursuit of Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
By bridging these divides, Malawi not only uplifts communities like Mulobo but also ensures that no one is left behind in its journey towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
The tale of Mulobo serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done and the importance of inclusive development in realizing Malawi's national aspirations.