25/08/2025
Development Projects start to take shape in Mzimba District
By Cynthia Mbeba
Mzimba District is undergoing a wave of transformation as development projects funded through the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) initiative and the Government of Malawi begin to bear tangible fruits.
According to Walter Chikuni, the Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for M’mbelwa District Council, the district’s improved performance in results based financing has been a game changer.
“We have moved from 26th position nationally in the first year of GESD to 10th this year. This progress has enabled M’mbelwa to access K2 billion for development projects.
Our goal is to reach number one, and we are fully committed to sustaining this performance to improve service delivery in the district,” he said.
Chikuni made the remarks during a recent media tour organized by the Ministry of Local Government, which showcased completed and ongoing projects across sectors such as agriculture, health, education, security, and infrastructure.
One of the most striking developments is the construction of the Kapopo Police Unit in Group Village Headman Kapopo Mhlanga, under Traditional Authority M’mbelwa in Mzimba South West Constituency.
Built with K167 million from the GESD initiative, the unit has dramatically improved security in an area once notorious for murders, sexual violence, livestock theft, and robberies due to among other things, its proximity to the Malawi–Zambia border.
“Before the police came, crime rate was high, specifically murders and robberies. Now we sleep like babies because the police patrol every night,” said Maureen Mumba, a Kapopo resident.
Kapopo Police Unit Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Rodrick Nali, said close collaboration with community policing groups has sustained peace despite some operational challenges such as lack of mobility, electricity, and water supply.
The Education sector is also benefitting from decentralized financing.
The Vibangalala Teachers’ Development Centre (TDC), constructed under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) with K30 million, is already raising education standards in Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku.
Serving as a hub for teacher and learner-centred activities, the facility now provides office space and coordination services for 12 schools and 88 teachers in Mzimba South Constituency.
Former Mzimba South MP Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere explained the significance of the development.
“The PEA, now called the quality assurance officer, has been here for 20 years without an office. This TDC addresses a long standing gap and is transforming education in the area," Jere explained.
On the other hand, Vibangalala Primary School which was established in 1967, with 12 teachers serving and 1,100 learners has achieved a 79 percent pass rate in the 2024 Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations.
Community leaders expect even better results, thanks to improved teacher training activities and coordination provided by the TDC.
Agriculture, the backbone of Mzimba’s economy, is also benefitting from the construction of the Kazomba Extension Planning Area (EPA).
The facility offers farmers access to modern farming techniques, advice on crop diversification and livestock management, and better market linkages.
Group Village Headman Chindiku Mkandawire stated that regular technical support from Kazomba EPA is expected to improve yields, enhance food security, and boost household income.
Most importantly, Health services are witnessing major improvements too.
Maternity wings at Ehehleni, Vibangalala and Luwerezi, under Traditional Authorities Mzikubola, Mzukuzuku and Mabilabo respectively, are easing the burden on rural women who previously traveled up to 30 kilometers to access maternal care at Jenda Health Centre.
The facilities are already helping to reduce maternal deaths and providing essential life saving services closer to home.
Also, Infrastructure works are ongoing, with newly completed bridges already improving connectivity and road projects still under construction.
Once complete, they will ease transport challenges and open up more market access for communities.
Again, the nearly completed M’mbelwa Stadium which is Malawi’s third largest, will promote sports, boost revenue, and serve as a home ground for some Northern Region based Super League teams.
Much as challenges such as resource constraints and operational gaps remain; the ongoing projects in security, education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure demonstrate the potential impact of decentralized financing.
