Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Ben Phiri, has emphasized the need for Thyolo District Council to invest in the dairy industry, saying limited land availability remains a major challenge in efforts to reduce hunger and poverty in the district.
Dr Phiri made the call on Tuesday during a meeting with the district council, where he highlighted dairy farming as a viable alternative for improving household incomes and nutrition amid increasing land pressure.
The minister also underscored the importance of reviving banana production in Thyolo, describing it as a strategic crop with potential to boost food security and economic resilience for local communities.
He further urged the council to ensure prudent and transparent utilization of the K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF), stressing that the resources must translate into tangible development outcomes for the people.
Earlier in the day, Dr Phiri inspected several development projects in the district, including Namitete Bridge and Mbandanga Bulking Group, to appreciate progress and identify areas requiring support.
During the inspections, he called on both the district council and his ministry to prioritize community-driven initiatives, citing the completion of Thyolo Stadium and Mphanje Market as projects that can spur local economic growth.
Speaking during the meeting, Council Chairperson George Jailosi requested orientation for ward councillors and appealed for duty-free vehicle imports, noting a rise in motorcycle-related accidents in the district.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Khwethemule appealed to government for continued food aid and the expedited distribution of the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP) to help alleviate hunger among vulnerable households.
