By George Mponda

Karonga, June 14, Mana: Karonga District Council has approved a K720 billion District Development Plan (DDP) which gears towards achieving inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic resilience from 2024 to 2030.

Speaking during a full council meeting on Friday, the Acting Director of Planning and Development for Karonga District Council, Khumbo Mkandawire, said the plan will provide guidance for implementation of development initiatives in the district.

“Karonga District Council has been operating without a District Development Plan Since 2017. Now that we have one in place, all projects to be implemented in the district will be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, regional legal frameworks, and Malawi 2063.

The plan intends to address 12 key developmental areas, and these include poor access to potable water, poor childhood development, limited access to farm produce markets, environmental degradation and climate change, unsustainable energy sources," said Mkandawire.

According to Mkandawire, some of the flagship projects to be implemented are the construction of a transit facility at Songwe Border Post, enhancing Sesame production, promoting value addition to agricultural produce, and construction of Rukulu Complex Irrigation Scheme, among others.

 “Let me appeal to stakeholders and development partners to support the council in implementing the plan,” she said.

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Desk Officer for Karonga Catholic Diocese, Obert Mkandawire, said the council should embark on a resource mobilization drive by engaging potential partners for the plan to be of benefit to the district.

“We are glad that the district now has a DDP. This will serve as a blueprint to help stakeholders align their projects with the district’s development priorities.

“With such a large budget at K720 billion, the council must embark on an aggressive resource mobilization and marketing campaign to attract the necessary funding, given its limited locally generated revenue,” said Mkandawire.