SVTP Laments $150 Million Shortfall During First Phase
The project, scheduled for completion by 2031, aims to cover a total of 118 kilometers from Kapichira to Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje district.
CHIKWAWA, Malawi-- The Shire Valley Transformation Program (SVTP) is facing a $150 million shortfall during the first phase of the project, which was supposed to be completed by now but has missed its deadline due to the destruction caused by Cyclone Anna at the Kapichira intake in Chikwawa district, writes Moses Thole.
"The development has affected some of the operations at the site," said Stainly Chakhumbila Khaila, the project coordinator for SVTP.
However, Khaila promised that the first phase, which includes a 6-kilometer-long canal, will be completed by May 2025.
The budget and finance committee in parliament visited the site today to assess the progress of the work.
Gladys Ganda, the committee's chairperson, stated that she will lobby with the government to release more funds for the timely completion of the project, adding that the development has the capability of uplifting the lives of people in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts, as well as contributing to the national level.
"My people will be part and parcel of the beneficiaries since the canal will reach out to Traditional Authority Mbenje where my people are present," said Ganda, who is also a member of the Nsanje Lalanje constituency.
The project, scheduled for completion by 2031, aims to cover a total of 118 kilometers from Kapichira to Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje district.
Other members of the parliamentary committee present included Enock Chizuzu, Sam Lodrick Khumbanyiwa, and Kamlepo Kalua.