Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Deputy Director of Political Affairs, Billy Malata, has announced his intention to contest for the party’s presidency at the upcoming elective convention.
Malata, who was expelled from the DPP for breaching its rules and regulations, told local media that he is prepared for legal challenges if the party attempts to block his candidacy.
Malata
“Although the party officials expelled me, I didn’t join any other party because I intended to contest the DPP presidency,” said Malata.
Meanwhile, the party’s spokesperson, Shadric Namalomba, says it is too early to comment on the matter.
The DPP will hold its elective convention from August 17 to 18, 2024, in Blantyre.
The party was ousted from power in the June 23, 2020, court-sanctioned fresh presidential elections.
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, has issued a stern warning to the Kaphatenga-Benga Road contractor to complete at least 50% of the rehabilitation works before the onset of the rainy season.
Speaking during an inspection of the M05 road, which spans from Kaphatenga in Salima to Benga in Nkhotakota, Hara emphasized the need for expedited progress while maintaining the required standards.
“The majority of the population is frustrated with the delay; rightfully so.This road is unique due to its flood-prone nature and numerous single-lane bridges.
Hara
“Many bridges, including those across the Lifyodzi and Chibothera Rivers, have been washed away in the past, highlighting the urgent need for replacement with permanent structures,” he said.
Hara highlighted that modern road rehabilitation standards have been incorporated to ensure the durability and reliability of the 60km road.
“The current standards will significantly contribute to a durable bituminous road and efficient drainage structures,” he added.
The Minister noted that the road, constructed between 1976 and 1978, has deteriorated due to increased usage by heavy trucks, which prefer this route over the mountainous M1 road when traveling between Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
He expressed optimism that the rehabilitation will enhance the road network’s efficiency.
A community member from Thavite, Stuart Benson, emphasized the need for rehabilitation, citing numerous accidents and hindered business activities due to the road’s poor state.
The rehabilitation works, undertaken by China Railway 20 Bureau Group Corporation Limited (CR20), commenced in November 2022 and are expected to be completed by November 2024.
The K64 billion project is funded by the Government of Malawi in collaboration with the African Development Bank.
President Lazarus Chakwera has commended Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, for the impressive progress in the M1 Road construction to Mzuzu.
He was speaking during a brief stop at Mtengowanthenga in Dowa on his way to Mzuzu, where he was scheduled to perform his official duties.
The President expressed satisfaction with the ongoing work and urged the local community to take ownership of maintaining the developments.
President Chakwera with Hon Hara
“I am delighted to see the remarkable progress on this critical road. It is a testament to our administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.
“We are committed to ensuring that development projects benefit all regions of the country,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi, who is also Member of Parliament for the area, said the President’s commitment to infrastructure development is commendable.
“The ongoing construction of the M1 Road to Mzuzu is a significant improvement from the former ‘death trap’ it was.
“I also applaud the President for initiating the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans, which are enhancing financial stability among our youth.
“Furthermore, the new health posts are helping to alleviate congestion in district hospitals, and we appreciate the President’s efforts to improve healthcare in our country,” said Daudi.
Prominent Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula has expressed optimism about the current administration’s dedication to enhancing governance, economic stability, infrastructure development, and the social welfare of Malawians.
While acknowledging the nation’s challenges, Mwakasungula stresses the importance of recognizing the government’s efforts to address these issues.
Undule
In response to the National Union for Concerned Citizens’ announcement of nationwide demonstrations on July 31, 2024, Mwakasungula says, although the right to demonstrate is protected, it is essential that such actions are conducted in good faith and with the broader national interest at heart.
“I encourage the National Union for Concerned Citizens and other groups to engage with the government through established dialogue platforms,” he says.
Mwakasungula has also called for coordinated efforts to prepare for the upcoming elections, ensuring they are conducted freely, fairly, and credibly to safeguard Malawi’s democracy.
Member of Parliament(MP) for Chikwawa Mkombedzi and Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia, has received widespread acclaim from local leaders under Senior Chief Ngabu for her tireless efforts in initiating and implementing various development projects in the area.
In separate interviews with 247 Malawi News, Group Village Head Paiva and Village Head Chitani praised Mia’s dedication to development, citing notable achievements such as the construction of a Police Unit at Misewu Folo, a health center at Mtambatherere, additional classrooms, and the drilling and maintenance of boreholes.
Abida Mia
The local chiefs commended Mia’s passion for development, saying it has proven her critics wrong and demonstrated her ability to deliver tangible results.
They pledged to support her in the forthcoming elections, acknowledging her commitment to transforming the constituency.
Mia expressed gratitude to the community leaders for their unwavering support, promising to continue implementing life-changing development projects in the constituency.
She was elected MP for Chikwawa Mkombedzi in 2019 after defeating former parliamentarian Loyd Malora and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Ben Khuleya.
