By Harriet Chilufya
Outgoing Chama North Member of Parliament (MP) Yotam Mtayachalo has thanked government and the people in the constituency for the trust and support rendered to him during his five-year tenure in office since August 2021.
Speaking during the end of his tour of duty in Chama North, the lawmaker described his leadership journey as one filled with both challenges and successes, saying leadership is not a straight line.
Mr Mtayachalo said despite the difficulties faced, his office managed to deliver a number of developmental projects across the constituency through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and support from the central government.
He highlighted some of the noticeable projects including the construction of the Kamphemba Bridge, a modern secondary school in Mbazi Ward funded by the World Bank, installation of communication towers in Lundu, Mazonde and Chibale, as well as the solar mini-grid project at Lundu.
He further cited the completion of bridges along the Chibale–Isoka Road and the connection of Chama District to the national electricity grid, which he said has ended the long-standing electricity challenges that depended on supply from Malawi.
The outgoing MP also disclosed that the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is expected to hand over a project to a new contractor, to electrify Kaozi, Mpalalusenga and Kalinkhu wards, after the previous contractor failed to fulfill contractual obligations.
He noted that the electrification of the wards will help accelerate development and improve the quality of life for residents.
“Without access to electricity, meaningful development cannot be achieved,” he said.
The MP further revealed that during his tenure he successfully lobbied for the construction of mini hospitals in Muchinga and Nkhankha wards to improve access to quality healthcare services.
He said construction works on the health facilities are expected to commence soon.
“I appeal to whoever will be elected as the next Chama North MP to continue following up on the projects,” he said.
The lawmaker has since announced that he will now shift his political focus to Chama Central Constituency, where he intends to contest in the forthcoming elections.
ZANIS