By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, June 24, Mana: Salima District Council has expressed satisfaction with the progress and impact of interventions being implemented under the Climate Just Communities (CJC) Project by World Relief Malawi.

This follows a two-day review meeting held from Monday to Tuesday in Mponela, Dowa District aimed at evaluating the progress and sustainability of the climate-resilient initiatives.

The interventions which include the construction of an evacuation centre, installation of a solar-powered irrigation system and drilling of boreholes are part of efforts to build community resilience to climate shocks and enhance livelihoods in vulnerable communities across Salima District.

Speaking during the review meeting, Acting Director of Natural Resources and Environment for Salima District Council, Adam Jason commended the initiative, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration.

“The interventions are timely and relevant to the district’s development agenda, especially in mitigating the impact of climate change, providing safe water and irrigation farming.

“We are particularly impressed with the evacuation centre which will serve as a safe haven for communities during floods and the solar-powered irrigation system that is already transforming dryland farming,” he said.

Jason underscored the importance of continuous engagement between council officials and World Relief Malawi.

“As a council, we are open to offer technical support and guidance to ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives. We urge implementing partners to maintain regular communication with our environmental and planning departments,” he added.

Jason also noted that the interventions align well with the council’s broader vision of promoting reforestation and enhancing environmental conservation efforts across the district.

Country Director for World Relief in Malawi, Matilda Matitha also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the CJC Project. She reiterated the organization’s commitment to building climate resilient communities.

“The project has largely achieved its objectives that were outlined at the beginning, we have seen improved access to water, increased food production through irrigation and a stronger sense of community preparedness in the face climate-related disasters,” she said.

Matitha, therefore, acknowledged the role played by local stakeholders, particularly the district council in ensuring the smooth implementation of project activities.

“This success would not have been possible without the active involvement of the local leadership and community members. Their ownership of the project is what gives us hope that these gains will be sustained beyond our intervention,” she said.

CJC Malawi aims at working with communities to help manage the material and social effects of climate change.