By Burnett Munthali

Mangochi—In a significant meeting held at his private residence, PAGE House, former Malawian President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate for the 2025 elections, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, welcomed a delegation of councillors from Mangochi District. The gathering underscored Mutharika’s focus on advancing Mangochi’s infrastructure and tourism as essential pillars of growth and sustainable development.

The event, highly anticipated among local leaders, served as an open forum for the councillors to engage directly with Mutharika and hear his vision for Mangochi’s future. Known for its strategic location on Lake Malawi’s shores, Mangochi holds immense potential in terms of tourism, a sector Mutharika plans to leverage fully.

Vision for infrastructure development

During the meeting, Mutharika shared his intentions to invest heavily in Mangochi’s infrastructure if elected. Recognizing the district’s challenges, he expressed his commitment to building robust road networks and improving public facilities that would enhance the quality of life for residents and ease access to tourist destinations.

Mutharika outlined the urgent need to upgrade key routes connecting Mangochi to surrounding districts, which he sees as crucial for promoting commerce and tourism. “Mangochi is a treasure of Malawi,” he said, adding, “To unlock its full potential, we must start with infrastructure that supports the movement of goods, services, and people.”

Promoting tourism as an economic engine

One of the most compelling aspects of Mutharika’s vision for Mangochi is his plan to promote tourism as a leading economic driver. With a natural coastline, historical sites, and beautiful landscapes, Mangochi remains a top destination for both domestic and international visitors. Mutharika emphasized that the district’s potential has not been fully realized and that a deliberate strategy to market Mangochi as a premier tourist hub could create jobs, boost local businesses, and attract international investment.

Mutharika proposed partnerships with private and international stakeholders to enhance the district’s appeal. He suggested incentivizing investment in hotels, resorts, and leisure facilities that would draw more tourists. “Mangochi has unique attractions that can put Malawi on the global tourism map. My administration will work to build sustainable partnerships that will transform this region into a bustling tourism center,” he stated.

Councillors’ reactions and support

The councillors welcomed Mutharika’s vision with optimism, expressing their gratitude for his interest in elevating Mangochi. Some of the councillors highlighted the district’s struggles with insufficient funding and lack of development projects in recent years. They noted that Mutharika’s ideas aligned well with the community’s aspirations for growth.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to sit with Professor Mutharika and hear his plans directly,” said one of the councillors. “His vision reflects what we have long needed in Mangochi—focused development that brings real change.”

Strengthening community engagement

Mutharika closed the meeting by reiterating his commitment to listening to the people of Mangochi and other regions in Malawi. He emphasized the importance of local leaders in achieving development goals and pledged to maintain open channels of communication with councillors and residents.

As the DPP candidate for the 2025 polls, Mutharika has made it clear that his vision includes not only national projects but also focused development initiatives like those proposed for Mangochi. His meeting with the councillors underscores his intention to lead a campaign centered around practical solutions and inclusive growth.

As the race toward the 2025 elections unfolds, Mutharika’s plans for Mangochi have positioned him as a candidate committed to both regional development and the empowerment of local governance. His proposals have already stirred significant interest, and many will be watching closely to see how his vision for Mangochi aligns with his broader objectives for the nation.