MP Urges Salima Sugar Company to Partner with Communities
Phale said integrating local communities could foster good relations between residents and the company.
SALIMA, Malawi— The member of parliament for Salima North-West Constituency is urging Salima Sugar Company Limited to deepen its cooperation with surrounding communities to support youth empowerment and economic development, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
Speaking at the opening of the company's first factory shop in Siyasiya and the start of the 2024 sugar production season on Tuesday, Enock Phale called on the private sector to partner with government in uplifting youths.
"I believe from now as the community will expect the best from the company, which is now being run without expatriates in a quest to improve young people's livelihoods," Phale said.
He encouraged youths to seize opportunities, work hard and avoid criminal activities.
Phale said integrating local communities could foster good relations between residents and the company.
Senior Chief Khombedza advised cooperation partners and private companies to appreciate youths as key drivers of the nation's social, economic and political growth.
He urged efforts to increase youth access to employment opportunities.
Trade Minister Sosten Gwengwe said the factory opening and production restart comes amid a sugar scarcity after the Greenbelt Authority's deal with Indian firm AUM Sugar and Allied Limited was terminated last year for breach of contract.
"Malawians were cheated in the previous deal and moving forward people should expect the best," Gwengwe said.
Local leaders are urging stronger community ties as Salima Sugar, now operated solely by Malawians, resumes operations under new ownership and management.