President Dr. Lazarus MacCathy Chakwera has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure and economic development across Nkhata Bay, pledging to deliver projects that will boost transportation, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and access to basic services.
Speaking during his whistle-stop tour of the district, the president addressed large gatherings in Tukombo and Nkhata Bay Boma, emphasising the district’s historic significance and economic potential.
“Many people from Nkhata Bay lost their lives fighting for our country’s freedom. This district deserves to be honoured,” Chakwera said at Nkhata Bay Boma in the area of Senior Chief Mkumbira. He announced that rehabilitation works on the Nkhata Bay jetty would soon commence, mirroring the ongoing upgrades at Likoma Port, to improve marine transportation.
The president also revealed that the new airport to be constructed in Mzuzu will be named Orton Chirwa International Airport as a tribute to the people of Nkhata Bay.
Earlier at Tukombo Trading Centre, Chakwera described the area as a strategic hub for both tourism and agriculture, promising to fast-track development projects. He announced plans to establish a cassava and fish processing factory to boost the local economy and enable Nkhata Bay products to reach international markets. Additionally, he assured residents of the planned extension of the piped water project, which is already benefiting areas such as Nkhata Bay Boma.
“Nkhata Bay is blessed with natural beauty and fertile land. As the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), we are committed to adding value to agricultural products and ensuring that visitors can appreciate the full potential of our land and our people,” he said.
MCP running mate and Minister of Trade Vitumbiko Mumba, who accompanied the president, urged residents to support the party’s development agenda, saying it was time to “forge ahead with the various development projects the MCP has initiated.”
Traditional Authority Zilakoma and Senior Chief Mkumbira both commended the government for ongoing initiatives, including the provision of clean water, irrigation schemes in Linga and Mzenga, the Social Cash Transfer Programme, relief maize distribution, and the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF). They described the projects as vital for improving livelihoods and local infrastructure.
President Chakwera is also expected to visit Kande Trading Centre, Chintheche Market, Mpamba Trading Centre, and Kavuzi Trading Centre at Mzenga as part of his continued tour of the district.
