By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent, Mwatibu Nathenje
Today was another busy day on the campaign trail as two aspirant candidates for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) continued their whistle-stop tour in Sanjiko Ward.
The tour began at Katope and ended at Mchizanjala, covering ten out of the twelve political zones in the ward.
At each stop, chiefs and communities consistently urged the aspirants to prioritize development if elected into office on September 16.
Speaking at Mchizanjala Primary School ground, Senior Group Village Headman Dilawo, representing fellow chiefs and community members, made a passionate plea to the MCP candidates.
He highlighted numerous challenges the area is facing, including a shortage of potable water, inadequate school blocks, poor road infrastructure, and the absence of bridges that makes crossing rivers difficult during the rainy season.
He further pointed out the shortage of teachers’ houses, dilapidated school facilities, and the lack of a health clinic, which forces people to travel long distances to access medical care.
The traditional leader emphasized that the ward has been neglected for too long and urged the MCP candidates to bring real development.
He lamented that previous leaders failed to deliver, focusing instead on symbolic gestures such as buying coffins for funerals rather than investing in sustainable development.
He added that an association established to provide water to the communities has failed in its mandate, calling for it to be revamped.
In response, MCP parliamentary candidate Hon. Eisenhower Mkaka assured the chiefs and residents that their concerns would be addressed.
He promised to renovate the Nathenje Water Users Association to ensure it serves its intended purpose.
On the issue of a school block blown off by strong winds at Mchizanjala School, Mkaka pledged immediate action, promising that renovations would begin the following week.
He stressed that unlike past leaders, he delivers on his promises, citing his record of development in Mazengera Ward as proof of his commitment.
Mkaka further cautioned the community against voting for independent candidates, some of whom were former MCP aspirants who failed to win the party’s primaries.
He argued that such candidates are opportunists and not genuinely committed to development.
He told the community that by voting for MCP councillor aspirant Bruno Daka, himself as MP, and President Lazarus Chakwera, they would be voting for a winning team that guarantees development.
One community member who attended the rally told this reporter that he is confident in the MCP candidates.
He expressed hope that the long-awaited development had finally arrived, citing the example of neighboring areas where people are already accessing safe and clean water.
He said with Hon. Mkaka and Hon. Daka working together, development in Sanjiko Ward is assured.
As the countdown to polling day enters the final six days, Lilongwe Mpenu Constituency has six contestants vying for the councillor post, representing DPP, MCP, AFORD, and two independents.
The parliamentary race also features six contestants from DPP, MCP, Odyazake Alibe Mlandu, and three independents.
Political observers note that the main competition in Lilongwe Mpenu Constituency is expected to be between MCP and DPP candidates.
The MCP whistle-stop tour was part of the party’s broader strategy to engage grassroots communities, listen to their concerns, and demonstrate its readiness to deliver tangible development.
