By Mabvuto Kalawa,
There were smiles and celebrations at Makanya Catholic Church Centre on Monday as the Father Superior of Nathenje Parish, Fr. Thomas Kasiya, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new maize mill that is expected to transform the lives of hundreds of families. The project is aimed at easing the burden on women who have for years travelled more than 18 kilometres to access maize milling services.
The ceremony began with a community meeting, followed by speeches from traditional leaders, church officials, and community representatives, all of whom described the project as a symbol of dignity, service, and community empowerment. They agreed that the maize mill would improve food security, save time, and promote economic development in Makanya and surrounding villages.
Speaking during the event, the area’s catechist, Mr. Custom, expressed gratitude that Makanya had been selected to benefit from the initiative. He appealed to Christians to actively participate in the construction by providing labour and pledged that the community would take full responsibility for safeguarding the facility once completed.
“As a church, we believe God wants His people to work with their hands. This mill will reduce suffering and give our mothers more time to pray, care for their families, and engage in productive activities,” he said.
A female traditional leader, speaking on behalf of the women in the area, thanked Nathenje Parish for choosing Makanya as the beneficiary of the maize mill. She explained that the community would establish a management committee to oversee the project’s operations and ensure its sustainability.
“We will formulate rules to govern the operation of the mill. Revenue generated will be used to pay electricity bills, salaries for the mill operator, maintenance costs, and savings that will help us purchase another maize mill for another community under the parish’s pass-on programme,” she said.
She added that the project would significantly reduce the risks women face when travelling long distances in search of milling services.
“You have rescued us from the hardships of travelling many kilometres to mill our maize. We promise to take good care of this facility. May God bless our parish priest for this wonderful initiative. Mwatigwira pamkono,” she said.
Senior Group Village Headman Mchakulu, speaking on behalf of fellow traditional leaders, also praised Nathenje Parish for remembering the community.
“We have waited for this opportunity for a long time. This maize mill is not only for Catholics but for everyone in the community, regardless of denomination or cultural background. We promise to protect it and ensure that it serves future generations. This is true development,” he said.
In his address, Fr. Thomas Kasiya blessed the site before laying the foundation stone and encouraged the community to embrace collective responsibility for the project.
“When we build together, we build God’s Kingdom. May this maize mill bring food to families’ tables and peace to their homes. I urge the community to take good care of it, generate sufficient income for its maintenance, and eventually purchase another mill to donate to another centre through our pass-on programme,” he said.
Construction of the electricity-powered maize mill is expected to begin soon. Once completed, it will serve more than 650 households, including families from villages across the Diamphwe River in neighbouring Dedza District. The project is expected to reduce milling costs by nearly half while eliminating the long and exhausting journeys women have endured for many years.
This will be the second maize mill established by Nathenje Parish. Part of the funding for the project was raised through the parish’s Golden Paper Sunday fundraising campaign held earlier this year. The initiative forms part of the parish’s broader strategy to strengthen financial sustainability while promoting community de
