By Burnett Munthali

In a passionate call for unity and continued support for the government’s development initiatives, the District Commissioner of Nsanje, Ezekiel Ching’oma, has urged the people of his district to remain behind President Lazarus Chakwera as he pushes forward with transformative development projects aimed at improving the lives of people living along the banks of the Shire River. Ching’oma, who also serves as a senior member of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), made these remarks during a meeting with local leaders in the district.

Ching’oma, in his address, emphasized that the government’s commitment to development projects in the region has already begun to show promising signs of progress, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of those living in the rural areas around the Shire River. The district commissioner underscored that President Chakwera’s administration is deeply invested in the prosperity of Nsanje, with various initiatives aimed at transforming the local economy, infrastructure, and access to essential services.

“Let us continue to rally behind President Chakwera’s leadership. His administration is dedicated to bringing about lasting change in our communities, and we must stay committed to his vision for the future. Together, we can see these plans come to fruition,” Ching’oma said.

As one of the key figures in the local government and a member of the ruling party, Ching’oma also expressed confidence that Dr. Chakwera will secure victory in the upcoming September elections. He pointed to the positive strides made under the current government and the people’s growing support for the president’s agenda. Ching’oma’s comments reflected the strong belief within the MCP that the party is well-positioned to retain power, given the ongoing developmental projects that are being implemented across various regions of the country.

The focus on the Shire River region, which has long faced challenges related to infrastructure, healthcare, and education, has been a critical part of the government’s development strategy. Ching’oma highlighted the importance of these projects in changing the lives of the people who reside in these often overlooked and underdeveloped areas.

The district commissioner’s call for continued support comes at a time when the political atmosphere in Malawi is heating up ahead of the 2025 elections. With political campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, leaders like Ching’oma are working hard to maintain the momentum for the ruling party, highlighting the tangible benefits that the government has brought to local communities through infrastructure projects, job creation, and improved social services.

Ching’oma’s support for President Chakwera and the MCP’s development agenda was met with nods of approval from the local leaders in attendance at the meeting. Many of them voiced their commitment to ensuring that the president’s initiatives continue to receive support from the grassroots level, emphasizing the need for collective action to ensure that the region’s potential is fully realized.

Despite facing challenges, including the socio-economic hurdles that affect many Malawians, Ching’oma’s message was one of hope and perseverance. The government’s investments in Nsanje, particularly in areas related to agriculture, water management, and rural development, are seen as key drivers of future growth in the district.

As the election season approaches, Ching’oma’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of local leadership in shaping political outcomes. His confidence in President Chakwera’s ability to win re-election reflects the growing optimism among government supporters, who are hopeful that continued progress will be made in the next term. The people of Nsanje, especially those living in the flood-prone and underdeveloped areas along the Shire River, will likely look to the government’s promises of development as a key factor in their decision at the ballot box in September.

Ching’oma’s call to action and his unwavering support for the president highlight the ongoing efforts of the Malawi Congress Party to maintain a strong political presence, not only within the halls of government but also among the local communities who are most affected by policy decisions. The coming months will likely see more outreach from leaders like Ching’oma, who are eager to continue pushing for change and development in rural areas across Malawi.