By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent, Miteme, Nathenje
It was a busy day for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) shadow councillor for Sanjiko Ward, who toured Miteme and Ng’ozi to inspect damaged school infrastructure.
The councillor visited a school block at Miteme and the head teacher’s house at Ng’ozi, both of which had their roofs blown off by strong winds.
During a meeting held at Miteme School grounds, under the jurisdiction of Senior Group Village Headman Khoti in Traditional Authority Chadza, local leaders expressed their concerns.
Speaking on behalf of other chiefs, Group Village Headman Chiboli urged Hon. Bruno Daka and Hon. Mkaka to prioritize renovations at the two schools.
He stressed that the damage occurred last year, yet nothing has been done to restore the buildings, and he appealed for immediate action before schools reopen.
The chief further highlighted several challenges affecting the area, including the lack of boreholes in 27 villages, forcing people to rely on unsafe wells.
He also cited poor road conditions, which make travel nearly impossible during the rainy season.
Another concern was the absence of a bridge linking Miteme and Mdzumira schools, which forces learners to take risky routes or drop out, fueling cases of child marriages among young girls.
He lamented that despite having councillors and MPs in the past, the area has seen little to no tangible development.
Group Village Headman Chiboli concluded by assuring Hon. Daka and the MCP team of the community’s support, saying they would vote for him, Hon. Mkaka, and President Lazarus Chakwera so that the area could finally develop.
In response, Hon. Daka told the community that he had inspected the damaged buildings and had already informed Hon. Mkaka.
He assured the people that Hon. Mkaka was committed to renovating the facilities before voting day, using his personal resources since the ward was not previously under his jurisdiction.
Daka reminded the community that past neglect was the result of electing leaders who were greedy and did not care about their people.
He urged the community to vote for him as councillor, Hon. Mkaka as MP, and Dr. Lazarus Chakwera as president on September 16 to ensure meaningful development.
He emphasized that MCP was a champion of development and promised that if elected, the community would be fully involved in all project planning and implementation.
A community member, speaking anonymously, echoed the concerns, stating that former leaders had no interest in development but only in enriching themselves.
He said his village has no borehole, and residents are forced to drink from unprotected wells, while the nearest health clinic is too far to serve them effectively.
The resident expressed confidence in Hon. Mkaka, citing his record of delivering boreholes in Gondwa Village, and assured that they would vote for him and Hon. Daka.
He concluded that the community believed MCP leaders would rescue them from long-standing challenges that past representatives failed to address.
Conclusion
The meeting at Miteme underscores the frustration of neglected communities that have endured years without proper infrastructure, water, or healthcare.
It also highlights the demand for accountability and good governance, as well as the community’s readiness to support leaders who demonstrate commitment to tangible development.
For the people of Miteme and Ng’ozi, the upcoming election is not just about politics but about securing a future where education, health, and basic needs are prioritized.
