Story by Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent
Chiefs and communities in Gumbi Area have requested aspirant MCP candidates to fulfill their campaign promises.
This appeal was made today at Gumbi Community Village Ground in Senior Village Headman Gumbi’s area in Lilongwe Mpenu Constituency under Traditional Authority Chadza, during a campaign meeting conducted by Shadow Councillor Honourable Bruno Daka.
During the meeting, Senior Group Gumbi told the Shadow Councillor that the area has many problems because it has been neglected for a long time, dating back to the dawn of multiparty democracy.
He cited several examples, including the absence of a local health clinic.
Residents are forced to travel to Kauma Health Centre, which is far away, and medical personnel there reportedly turn patients away, saying it is not their clinic.
This has particularly endangered expectant women, some of whom have died en route to access care.
He also highlighted the poor condition of roads, which makes it difficult for farmers to transport and sell their produce, compounded by the absence of bridges.
The senior chief added that the area has no portable water, forcing women to travel long distances to collect water and share it with livestock.
Communities also lack satisfactory markets to sell their crops.
He requested the Shadow Councillor to take these issues into account if elected into office.
The chief expressed confidence in the three MCP candidates, saying they believe these leaders will deliver results.
He reflected on past representatives, noting that previous MCP councillors and MPs were greedy and pompous, showing no interest in developing the area.
He said, however, that with the current candidates, including Honourable Mkaka, there is hope for real development, citing Mkaka’s work in Mazengera Ward as a model.
In his response, Shadow Councillor Honourable Bruno Daka assured the residents that if they vote for him as councillor, Honourable Mkaka as MP, and Dr. Lazarus Chakwera as President, Gumbi Area will experience development.
He urged the community to vote in large numbers for the three MCP candidates, emphasizing that voting for them translates directly into tangible development.
He added that the leadership team does not only make promises but delivers results.
Hon. Daka further pledged to involve communities in planning and implementing projects as part of a broader community empowerment initiative.
He encouraged residents to speak with friends in Mazengera Ward to see the progress Honourable Mkaka has achieved, assuring them that similar development can happen in Gumbi Ward.
He urged voters not to support any candidates apart from himself, Honourable Mkaka as MP, and Dr. Chakwera as President, promising that the ward will reach its maximum development potential under their leadership.
This meeting is one of several campaign interactions designed to engage communities directly and encourage them to vote for MCP candidates as part of the party’s broader campaign strategy.
