Former Lilongwe mayor touts achievements, defends record amid controversy
Banda pointed to the Area 47-49 bridge as a key accomplishment, predicting it will "greatly reduce congestion from Chitukuko to Area 49."
LILONGWE, Malawi— Former Lilongwe City Council Mayor Richard Banda says he's leaving office with his "head held high," citing numerous infrastructure projects initiated during his tenure, writes Christopher Jimu.
In an exclusive interview, Banda highlighted road improvements he claims have transformed the city's landscape.
These include projects connecting Chipasula to Area 23 and Malangalanga, as well as developments in Areas 43, 24, and the Ntandile-Chenicheninchiti route.
"I think I have (done) my best," Banda said. "I leave the office a contented man with my head held high. In short, I have been the best mayor ever."
Banda pointed to the Area 47-49 bridge as a key accomplishment, predicting it will "greatly reduce congestion from Chitukuko to Area 49."
On security, the former mayor praised the introduction of a city council police force, which he says has curbed illegal vending.
"There is sanity in the city now and the council is saving as we no longer hire officers on a daily basis," he said.
Banda also touted the installation of traffic lights and an increase in refuse collection trucks from two to four during his term.
However, Banda acknowledged challenges, particularly illegal construction. "I was getting personal threats, but I stood my ground," he said.
Responding to allegations of improper plot allocation, Banda denied involvement.
"Though some people were alleging that I was involved in plot allocation to some residents, that is a total lie," he stated, specifying that plots at the main bus terminal in old town belong to MOAM, which handles their allocation.