The residents of Kasungu Municipality have called on the newly elected mayor, Hastings Nyirongo, and the full council to prioritize addressing water challenges, poor road infrastructure, and street vending in the municipality.
This follows an elective full council meeting where Malawi Congress Party (MCP) councillor for Chankhanga Ward secured the mayoral seat, deputized by MCP councillor for Katope Ward Kingsly Gothi.
In an interview, one of the residents operating a small-scale business at Chitete Free Market, Lucia Mwale said residents go for weeks with dry water pumps, putting their lives at risk of waterborne diseases due to the use of unprotected water.
“Roads are poor, and street vending is contributing to poor waste management in the municipality. That is why we want the new mayor to lead the council in addressing these challenges. It’s not only that—our market here at Chitete and other surrounding markets need proper shelters because they contribute to locally generated revenue, yet they are in poor condition, especially during the rainy season,” said Mwale.
Speaking after taking the oath of office, the newly elected mayor, Hastings Nyirongo, said he is aware of these challenges and, in collaboration with the council’s stakeholders, will ensure they are prioritized during his tenure.
“We are going to work with stakeholders and relevant actors to make sure that residents enjoy potable water—it is their right. We are going to seriously look into these challenges and implement the necessary developments so that after five years, we should see change. We will discuss with the vendors so that we can find them a better place for their businesses to help end street vending. Developing the municipality requires collective effort,” said Nyirongo.
According to the municipality’s spokesperson, Blessing Nyasulu, the council already has an Urban Development Plan in place, which seeks to address these challenges and guide the growth of the municipality, which is earmarked to become a secondary city.
On his part, the municipality’s Member of Parliament, Noel Mkubwi congratulated the newly elected mayor and his deputy, pledging his support in developing the municipality.
By Davie Banda
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