By Solister Mogha

Zomba, March 19, Mana: Zomba District Council through the Malawi Watershed Management Programme (Mwasip) has procured a motorbike for its extension worker as part of easing mobility challenges facing many extension workers in the district.

This is the third motorbike purchased for an extension worker and plans are underway to buy more in the coming years.

Speaking on Tuesday during the handover ceremony of the K6 million Yamaha YTZ 125 model, District Commissioner for Zomba, Reighnard Chavula said extension workers have numerous tasks to perform, most of which, demand their mobility.

Chavula observed that lack of transport has contributed to challenges in provision of extension services in the country, describing the new bike as a boost to the council.

"Practically extension services depend on availability of transport. This therefore means without mobility; we cannot deliver as expected. As a council we have many extension workers who do not have motorbikes and this is a big challenge," she said.

Chavula added: " But with support from our partners, we shall surely address this challenge."

Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources for Zomba District Council, Linda Mphande said there are about 40 extension workers who need motorbikes.

Mphande, however, appealed for more support for improved extension workers.

"Our extension workers are in dire need of transport. Mobility is key in extension services because without monitoring and supervision by extension workers, we would be doing nothing," she said.

Limbani Thangata an extension worker from Chingale Extension Planning Area and recipient of the new motorbike said the motorcycle would help him reach more areas easily.

"I am excited to receive this motorbike, my area is vast and its terrain requires one to have reliable transport," he said. He thanked the council for the consideration.