By Jones Gadama
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as a man of action in President Peter Mutharika’s government, after joining Lilongwe City Mayor His Worship Peter Banda over the weekend at the launch of a bold new vision for the capital’s future development.
The event brought together city leaders, technocrats and residents to witness Lilongwe City Council unveil a progressive plan aimed at transforming Malawi’s capital into a modern, smart and sustainable urban centre.
Phiri commended the Council for the milestone, describing the blueprint as a forward-looking roadmap that aligns with national development goals.
True to his reputation as a hands-on leader, Phiri singled out the Council’s commitment to emerging technologies, particularly the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as evidence of real readiness to embrace clean energy and green transport.
He said such initiatives show that Lilongwe is not just planning for growth, but planning for the right kind of growth that protects the environment while creating new opportunities.
“This vision mirrors His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika’s aspiration to see Malawi develop into a modern, prosperous nation,” Phiri told the gathering. “As Lilongwe grows, strategic planning, innovation, and investment in modern infrastructure will be critical to creating opportunities, improving service delivery, and raising quality of life for all residents.”
Dr. Phiri has built a reputation in Mutharika’s administration for moving quickly from policy to implementation, and his presence at the launch reinforced that image.
Colleagues in government describe him as a minister who does not wait for problems to escalate before acting, but instead pushes councils and communities to think big and deliver practical solutions.
He concluded his remarks by congratulating Mayor Banda and Lilongwe City Council, urging all stakeholders to maintain momentum.
“Congratulations to the Mayor and Lilongwe City Council on this milestone. Together, we can build cities that inspire progress and drive national development,” he said.
With Lilongwe’s population expanding rapidly, Phiri’s active engagement signals that the Ministry of Local Government is firmly focused on equipping urban authorities with the vision and support needed to deliver 21st-century cities.
In President Mutharika’s government, leaders like Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri are proving that action, not just talk, will define Malawi’s urban future.
