By Linda Kwanjana

The immediate past Surveyors Institute of Malawi (SIM) Vice President Precious Chisi who is also Managing Director of Perfect Property solutions Limited has hailed Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for the spearheading Secondary Cities saying the project has a capacity to enhance social economic and political status of the country.

Speaking in Mzuzu during Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA) Managers network symposium and fourth annual conference, which was attended by District Commissioners and council Chief ExecutiveOfficers, Chisi said secondary cities are so important because they serve as a hub.

Secondary cities often serve as regional hubs, offering various services and amenities. They attract businesses and industries, which reduces over reliance of primary city and spreads economic opportunities across the nation. Secondary cities promote more balanced regional development by providing opportunities and services to people living in surrounding rural areas, ” he said.

Chisi said this can reduce the rural-urban development gap adding that secondary cities can become hubs for cultural and educational activities, offering museums, universities, and cultural events that contribute to the nation’s cultural and intellectual development.

Chisi said secondary cities can also attract tourists and trade activities, while promoting economic growth and cultural exchange while offering alternative locations for economic activities.

On top of that , Chisi said secondary cities help decongest the primary city and this can reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and pressure on infrastructure in the capital city.

On urbanization, Chisi said is an important element in in achieving Malawi agenda 2023.

“The growth of population and increasing urbanisation helps to boost economic growth by increasing demand among urban businesses and individual consumers for different products, which in turn contribute to poverty reduction in rural areas,” he said.

The land expert who is also property valuer and and survey said urbanization necessitates the creation of essential infrastructure like roads, transportation systems, utilities, and public services.

He said these investments can benefit the entire nation.

“Cities attract a diverse and skilled workforce, leading to concertation of talent and expertise. This human capital can drive technological advancements and knowledge based industries, benefiting the entire nation. While urban areas can have slums and poverty, they also offer opportunities for upward mobility,” he said.

Chisi said urbanization said rural-to-urban migration can reduce poverty and improve living standards.

“Urban areas typically have better access to quality education and healthcare, which can lead to improved workforce and healthier population, both of which are essential to national development,” he said.

In 2022 Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera Government through the National Planning commission (NPC) launched the Malawi Secondary Cities Plan through which eight new cities will be developed in line with the country’s Malawi 2063 national vision.

The Secondary Cities will be developed in Karonga, Nkhata bay, Kasungu, Salima/Chipoka, Mangochi/Monkey bay, Liwonde, Lucheza and Bangula. It is expected that these will help divert rural populations from migrating to the four primary cities.