Mzuzu Women Raise Funds for Community Upgrades
The Beehive Ladies Neighbour's Eye group was established in 2022 to provide support for events like funerals, illnesses and weddings. Membership is free and voluntary.
MZUZU, Malawi— A group of women in Mzuzu has raised over K3.5 million to fund neighborhood improvements like renovating streetlights, upgrading drainage systems and installing public trash bins along roads, writes Blessings Kaunda.
The Beehive Ladies Neighbour's Eye group collected the money during a birthday fundraiser for newly elected United Transformation Movement regional governor and businesswoman Nengezi Ziba at Beehive Schools.
"Beyond mitigating security risks and flood hazards, the group aims at fostering a culture of cleanliness and hygiene within the community by strategically placing waste bins along the road to curtail indiscriminate littering," group secretary Ruth Phiri told the gathering.
Phiri cited careless littering of items like diapers, candy wrappers and other waste as marring the city's appearance. She said the issues particularly impact women.
"When things happen at a household level, women are the first ones to be affected, so all these mentioned issues, it is women who suffer. That's why we have taken this initiative," Phiri said.
The group plans to hold additional fundraising activities to meet all its goals, Phiri added.
Billy Nkhoma, the block leader for the SOS and Area 2 neighborhood, praised the effort and said community-wide support will be vital to successfully executing the infrastructure upgrades.
"Collective support is crucial for materializing the envisioned improvements, which, once realized, will enhance the quality of life for all residents and galvanize sustainable development in the area," Nkhoma said.
While celebrating the fundraising success, Ziba stressed the importance of women taking proactive roles.
"I am happy for the overwhelming support, but let me also encourage my fellow women to assume leadership roles and actively contribute to community initiatives, rather than passively relying on external entities for solutions," Ziba said.
Mzuzu City Council spokesman McDonald Gondwe said he needed to consult with other officials before commenting on the group's specific plans.
The Beehive Ladies Neighbour's Eye group was established in 2022 to provide support for events like funerals, illnesses and weddings. Membership is free and voluntary.