By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

Deputy Presidential Special Advisor on Religious Affairs, Sheikh Hashim Abbas has told people of Nkhata-Bay district that the government of President Lazarus Chakwera is very committed to work with religious groups in the country and promote them for development of the country.

He was speaking at Chifira congregation of the Church of African Presbyterian (CAP) in Nkhata-Bay where he attended the coronation ceremony of Reverend Mahawu Manda as the resident pastor for Chifira congregation on Saturday, August 20, 2022.

“President Chakwera is so committed to work with religious groups in this country so that we develop the country together.

As a church, we have responsibilities in various developments that collaborate and support the government efforts in developing the country and promoting the livelihood of Malawian people both socially and spiritually, hence our need to work hand in hand with the government.” Said Abbas.

In his remarks, parliamentarian for the area, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma told the gathering that the church and politics goes together, and there is a great need for the two to work together in developing the country.

Zikhale who was accompanied by the regional chairman for North South in the Malawi Congress Party, Joseph Chavula said: “Without the church, there is no politics, it has been such ever-since, and as politicians we must embrace the church. These are the leaders who help us very much in the villages, hence our coming to witness this ceremony as Rev. Manda who is also the General Secretary for the church takes over the pastorship of this congregation.”

Additionally, Nkhata-Bay South MP urged the people to practice hygiene and cleanliness to control the outbreak of diseases such as Cholera which has hit hard his area.

“Let us practice cleanliness in our homes by washing hands all the time, and boiling water before we drink among others so that we deal away with this outbreak. This constituency has become the first to be hit so hard, as am speaking we have already lost 55 people to cholera, and this is to high in the few days we have been hit.” Added Ng’oma.

But Ng’oma commended President Chakwera for making sure that funds are found for safe water project in the district which he said will end the problem of safe water in Nkhata-Bay.

Later in the day, the parliamentarian in a company of the regional chairman, visited the cholera outbreak camp at Tukombo in the district where they donated various items to be used at the camp including cash.