Climate project set to boost extension services in Mchinji

Farmers under Kapiri Agriculture Extension Planning Area in Mchinji District are expected to benefit from improved extension services courtesy of a modern office and staff house earmarked for construction in the area.

The office and the staff house will be constructed under the World Bank-funded Regional Climate Resilience Programme (RCRP-2) to cost K547.8 million.

Masamba breaks the ground to launch construction works. | Brighton Chimsinde

Mchinji District Council vice-chairperson Esnart Chitawo said besides providing sufficient space for extension workers to efficiently execute their duties, the construction works will enable local residents to get employment and support their families.

She asked the contractors to prioritise people in the area when recruiting workers for the construction works.

On her part, Mchinji district commissioner Reinghard Chavula said funds for the project were available, stressing that the council will be able to pay the contractors in time.

“Sometimes payment delays compromise the quality of the project. However, in these particular projects, we don’t want that because funds are available, therefore, we want contractors to honour the project’s timeframe,” she said.

Mchinji District Council director of economic planning and development Smith Mnenula assured people of the area that the council was geared to intensify monitoring, supervision and engaging contractors to ensure quality delivery of the project.

In his remarks, Mchinji North-East legislator Anthony Masamba (Malawi Congress Party) said the infrastructure will enable small-scale farmers to access modern agricultural services within short distance.

He said: “Farmers will learn modern farming techniques which will build their resilience to climate shocks such as floods and prolonged dry spells. It is our hope that the modern farming techniques will help to transform agriculture, economic and food security and enhance people’s livelihood.”

Masamba appealed to the government to ensure that contractors receive project funds on time so that construction works are completed within the agreed period.

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