Traditional leaders plead for funds to complete Greenbelt Authority projects in Chikwawa
The traditional leaders made the call in a meeting with a parliamentary committee on transport and public infrastructure progress.
CHIKWAWA, Malawi— Traditional leaders in Chikwawa District pleaded with the government to assist the Greenbelt Authority with finances to complete projects being implemented in the district, writes Rabecca Kaunda.
The traditional leaders made the call in a meeting with a parliamentary committee on transport and public infrastructure progress.
The Group Village of Ndomela under Traditional Authority Ngowe called the project constructing a dyke in their community a "lifesaver," according to Ndomela.
"A dyke that is being constructed in our community is expected to protect a 572-hectare irrigation scheme. It proved to have played a life-saving role during the Cyclone Freddy disaster," Ndomela said.
Enock Phale, the chairperson for the parliamentary committee, hailed the authority for the projects, saying they would change the lives of many farmers once completed.
"The committee will do whatever is possible to help the authority access the remaining funds for the completion of the projects," Phale said.
Oscar Matope, an official from the authority, said the authority was ready to complete the projects upon receipt of the remaining funds.
The Greenbelt Authority constructed the dyke to protect an irrigation project intended for Mwananjobvu and is also constructing an irrigation scheme at Nkhwazi, where over 250 hectares of land will benefit, according to the report.
However, funding remains a challenge for the Greenbelt Authority to finish vital projects.
The authority has only received a portion of the needed funds from the government.