Islanders in Likoma Benefit from Constituency Development Fund Projects
Likoma Island residents have reported improved health and education services after the construction of CDF-funded school libraries and health facilities, reducing challenges, writes Oliver Malibisa.
LIKOMA, Malawi— Likoma Island residents have reported improved health and education services after the construction of CDF-funded school libraries and health facilities, reducing challenges, writes Oliver Malibisa.
During a tour of the projects funded by the CDF in the islands district, Member of Parliament (MP) for Likoma and Chizumululu Islands, Ashems Christopher Songwe, held a public rally on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Speaking at the rally held in Group Village Headman (GVH) Chamba, the traditional leader expressed gratitude to the MP for fulfilling his promise to complete the construction of Chiteko Under Five Clinic and school library infrastructure, among other development projects on both islands.
GVH Chamba highlighted that the completed development projects have now created a conducive environment for health services and learning, benefiting women and children in particular.
He explained, "Before these facilities, our women and children were struggling to access better health and education services due to various factors such as distance to the existing facilities, and in some areas, there were no such projects at all. Thanks to the MP [Ashems Christopher Songwe], we can now show and confirm the benefits of CDF. We now have a fully functional mortuary, school blocks, and a bursary fund for our school-going children. This is what we voted for."
While expressing concern about the intermittent availability of National Empowerment Economic Fund (NEEF) loans to islanders who applied some time ago, GVH Chamba requested the MP's intervention to ensure that the island community, especially the youth, have opportunities for economic empowerment and livelihood.
In response, MP Songwe assured the residents that he would fulfil his promises and obligations as their representative for various development projects and initiatives.
He expressed gratitude for the proactive role of the islanders during the implementation of development projects, as they actively participated in the construction process.
"I promise to continue developing this island and make good use of your CDF because I remain your only carrier of various projects and other initiatives," pledged Songwe.
"I express my gratitude for your support during the implementation. Please continue to participate in these projects. Trust me, I will ensure that the CDF is not abused."
Regarding the NEEF loans, the MP expressed his satisfaction with the economic independence achieved by many island beneficiaries.
He further assured those who have yet to access the loans that he would work towards providing them with opportunities to venture into businesses.
Ashemes Songwe addressed the issue of maize shortage as one of the major challenges faced by the islanders, stating that it was his greatest concern, causing sleepless nights.
He pledged to continue urging the government to supply enough corn to ADMARC units to ensure that no one struggles to secure food.
"Shortage of maize is my greatest enemy, and I do not want any islander to die of hunger. I will continue to press the government to stock ADMARC units with enough maize so that no one struggles to secure food," emphasized Songwe.
Songwe appealed to the islanders to provide more relief support to people affected by Cyclone Freddy in the Southern region.