By Burnett Munthali
Communities surrounding the Malundani area under Senior Chief Nyambi in Machinga District have expressed frustration over the delay in handing over a market shed that was built four years ago using funds from the Local Development Fund (LDF). Despite the completion of the structure, it remains unused, and concerns over its deterioration have begun to surface.
During a visit by Times 360 Malawi, cracks were observed on some of the shed’s walls, a clear indication of neglect and the effects of delayed usage. Community members have voiced their dissatisfaction, as the shed was meant to improve trading conditions for local vendors and boost development in the area.
Senior Chief Nyambi spoke out against the prolonged delay, stressing that the stagnation of the project is hindering progress. He urged the local council to take immediate action and hand over the shed to the community, highlighting the pressing need for improved market infrastructure.
“We are eager to see this project benefit the community, but the delay is holding back development. Our vendors are still trading in poor conditions despite the market being ready,” Nyambi said.
Ajiru Kalitendere, the Member of Parliament for the area, also weighed in on the matter, calling the situation “worrisome.” He lamented the wasted resources on a project that has yet to be utilized.
“This is a waste of public resources. It’s disheartening to see a facility meant to improve livelihoods being left to decay,” Kalitendere said.
In response, Machinga District Council spokesperson Martin Chiwanda assured the community that the shed will be handed over soon. However, he did not provide specific reasons for the delay, leaving many residents skeptical about when the handover will actually happen.
For now, the community remains in limbo, hoping that the authorities will resolve the issue before the shed deteriorates further, jeopardizing the intended benefits for local traders.
