By Dean Chisambo
Member of Parliament for Nkhatabay North, Mackenzie Chipalamoto Nkhwazi, has appealed to the government to create a conducive environment for investors, both local and foreign, to strengthen the country’s forex reserves.
Nkhwazi made the appeal on Wednesday during parliamentary debates on the mid-year budget review presented last week by the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization.
He explained that attracting investors is key to boosting foreign exchange inflows and stimulating economic growth.
The lawmaker also highlighted pressing development needs in his constituency, calling for the opening of the Mzuzu–Bula Usiskya road, which he described as critical due to its potential to promote tourism in the area.
Nkhwazi further raised concerns over access to clean water, noting that many residents of his constituency still rely on lake water for drinking.
He disclosed that the community has secured water from Usingini and said that, next year, through a K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the plan is to construct water tanks and supply clean water to the lower-lying areas along the lake shore, which he emphasized is a matter of life and health.
During the parliamentary session, legislators continued their comments on the mid-year budget review, with newly elected members contributing their maiden speeches.
Nkhwazi also noted that Malawi Congress Party lawmakers had temporarily abandoned the proceedings due to rumors circulating on social media about a potential arrest of their president, Lazarus Chakwera; however, the Leader of the House, Jappie Mhango, publicly denied these allegations.